Despite India’s immense potential, the nation’s annual computer consumption remains surprisingly low at just 15 million PCs. What’s even more concerning is that students account for only a minuscule fraction of this figure, as pointed out by Santosh Viswanathan, Vice President and Managing Director, India Region Head at Intel, during their “PathAI Ka Future” education event in Bengaluru on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
To put this in perspective, Viswanathan highlighted that America’s computing consumption stands at a hefty 80 million, with students alone utilizing 40 million – a staggering half of the total. Similar robust trends in computer adoption are observed in educational sectors across China and Indonesia. This stark comparison underscores the critical need for India to significantly boost its computing usage, particularly within its learning environments.
India boasts a massive student population of 418 million. While an impressive 90% of young people in the country have access to smartphones, a mere 9% own a personal computer. PCs, unlike smartphones, are indispensable tools for fostering deeper learning, encouraging creative exploration, and enabling vital collaboration – elements crucial for comprehensive education, as emphasized by Mr. Viswanathan.
The digital divide within India’s educational landscape is profound. He further elaborated that a significant 57% of schools lack functional computers, severely restricting students’ opportunities to develop essential future-ready skills.
With artificial intelligence poised to revolutionize education globally, India stands at a pivotal moment. The potential to transform learning from a passive, one-way consumption model into a dynamic, personalized, and interactive experience is immense. However, Mr. Viswanathan stressed that true transformation will stem not merely from internet connectivity, but crucially, from equitable access to the right computing devices.
To tackle this critical access gap in the Indian education sector, Intel, the leading Santa Clara-based semiconductor manufacturer, is actively collaborating with a broad educational ecosystem. This network includes independent software vendors, EdTech innovators, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) nationwide, all working to make PCs more affordable, relevant, and impactful for students.
Through these strategic partnerships, Intel is committed to equipping classrooms with powerful devices and cutting-edge learning solutions. The ultimate goal, as articulated by Mr. Viswanathan, is to transform traditional learning spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity, collaboration, and the development of indispensable skills for the future.