The adoption reflects India's massive student population, relatively affordable smartphone access, and cultural emphasis on education as a path to economic mobility. Students are using Gemini for everything from homework help to exam preparation to learning English.

Google is reportedly developing India-specific features based on feedback from millions of users, including better support for regional languages and curriculum-aligned content. The company sees India as a testing ground for AI education tools that could eventually reach other emerging markets.

The trend also raises questions about AI's role in education. Critics worry about over-reliance on AI for learning, while proponents argue it democratizes access to quality educational support.