Shift to AI-powered Chromebooks

metro india news  I Amaravathi

In a significant shift in its digital education strategy, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to replace the tablet-based learning model in government schools with Google Gemini AI-powered Chromebooks, marking what it describes as the next phase of technology-enabled education. The initiative aims to transform government schools into globally competitive digital learning centres while introducing artificial intelligence into classrooms.

Samagra Shiksha State Project Director K. Srinivasa Rao said the government has initiated the procurement of advanced Chromebooks through a transparent and competitive process in line with Central government procurement norms. The move is intended to equip lakhs of students with AI-enabled learning tools and prepare them for future technology-driven careers.

The Chromebooks will be deployed in 3,459 government schools across Andhra Pradesh. Unlike the earlier tablet distribution programme, the new initiative offers an integrated digital education ecosystem rather than standalone devices. Each Chromebook will come with Google Gemini Enterprise for Education AI, Chrome Education Upgrade, three years of device management, installation, commissioning, teacher training, onsite warranty and technical support.

Officials said the procurement process adhered to the General Financial Rules -2017, Public Procurement  Order-2017, Central Vigilance Commission guidelines and Government e-Marketplace norms. They stressed that no relaxation was given in key eligibility conditions such as past performance, annual turnover and solvency requirements, underscoring the government’s commitment to quality and transparency.

The government has also mandated that all Chromebooks be manufactured in India and comply with BIS certification, in line with the Centre’s Make in India policy. To minimise supply risks, the procurement follows the standard 70:30 supply model, a practice commonly adopted in large government ICT projects.

Officials said the AI-enabled Chromebooks will help students understand complex subjects such as mathematics and science through personalised learning, multilingual support and project-based education. The devices are expected to enhance analytical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills while serving as round-the-clock AI learning assistants. Teachers are also expected to benefit through AI-assisted lesson planning, worksheet generation, quizzes and digital content creation, reducing administrative workload and allowing greater focus on classroom teaching.

Highlighting the long-term advantages, the government said Chromebooks offer lower maintenance costs, better security, cloud-based management and improved battery life compared to conventional devices. It maintained that the initiative represents a transition from device distribution to a comprehensive AI-driven digital learning ecosystem, positioning Andhra Pradesh among the leading states in technology-enabled public education.