AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT | 17th MARCH 2026 — Central Square Foundation, a leading New Delhi based not for profit working in the space of primary education reforms , recently launched the 2nd edition of the Bharat Survey for EdTech (BaSE), a first-of-its-kind large-scale national survey conducted by the foundation. The survey provides insights into access to and the use of technology for teaching and learning among parents, children, and teachers from low-income backgrounds in Gujarat.
The findings are based on a study covering approximately 1,500 respondents comprising 1,250 households, along with 250 educators. The household survey focused on families with children aged 6–18 years studying in government, government-aided, and low- to moderate-fee private schools. Teachers from the same locations were also surveyed to better understand how technology is being used within classrooms.
State-level findings from Gujarat highlight important trends in digital access and technology-enabled learning. It mentions that 88% households own at least one smartphone, with 78% of them owning more than one smartphone, enabling digital access within the home. At least 85% of children have access to a smartphone, of which 79% use the same daily, though most rely on shared access rather than dedicated devices. Among children who use smartphones, 69% are able to access the internet while using the device, although connectivity can be intermittent in some cases.
The survey also finds that 87% of children in the state are aware of EdTech tools, and 58% actively use technology for learning. The most commonly used platforms include YouTube (used by 97% of EdTech-using children), followed by WhatsApp (80%), Google (50%), G-Shala (21%) and WhatsApp/Meta AI (12%). The survey also finds that 96% of teachers in the state are aware of EdTech tools, and 74% actively use it for teaching. The most commonly used platforms include tools such as YouTube (used by 59% of EdTech-using teachers), followed by Google (46%), WhatsApp (43%), ChatGPT (34%), DIKSHA (23%) and E-pathshala (23%).
The survey further explores awareness and early use of generative AI in education. 48% EdTech-using children have heard of AI and 20% know of its application for learning. 13% of EdTech-using children use GenAI for learning; while 24% of GenAI-using children use it multiple times a week, 74% use it daily. Among teachers, 67% EdTech-using teachers have heard of AI and 40% know of its application for teaching. 12% of EdTech-using teachers use GenAI for teaching and school-related activities; while 53% of GenAI-using teachers use it multiple times a week, 33% use it daily.
Commenting on the findings, Shaveta Sharma-Kukreja, Managing Director and CEO, Central Square Foundation, said, “BaSE provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots of how technology is actually being used for learning across India. While access to devices has expanded significantly, the real opportunity lies in understanding how children and teachers are adopting technology and integrating it into everyday learning. These insights are critical for policymakers, educators and innovators as they work to ensure that digital tools meaningfully support improved learning outcomes for every child.”
The BaSE 2025 report aims to provide policymakers, educators, and the EdTech ecosystem with a deeper understanding of how access, awareness, and usage of technology intersect in the education system. By examining both household and classroom experiences, the study offers actionable insights into how digital tools can better support teaching and learning across diverse contexts in India.
