The introduction of new teaching technologies helps India deal with challenges in education that have persisted for a long time, especially in relation to large classes, different learner requirements, and language barriers across different parts of India. This article defines and explains adaptive learning, provides context for its importance in the Indian educational sector, details some of the primary operators in the market today, identifies some of the market trends that are likely to dominate 2025, and makes some actionable suggestions for teachers, students, and educational institutions.
What is Adaptive Learning Technology?
Listening to and using a student’s answers to modify their education in real time is one way adaptive learning is different from standard classroom approaches. Adaptive learning custom fits educational materials to the learning pace, strengths, weaknesses and learning style and approaches. No longer reliant on the fixed, static, one-size-fits-all system, adaptive learning systems recognize learners, and in response to their input adjust educational content in real time. For instance, a system in the learners zone could determine responsive time and correct answers to assess the challenge level of the next material to determine the level of challenge and support, how difficult or easy to navigate the content.
Imagine a student who finds fractions difficult. The adaptive learning system does not stop when a learner masters the concept and instead provides extra, alternative explanations, simpler visualizations and additional material to help them with practice. These systems adapt in response to the level of material and challenges, which research has shown positively impacts student engagement and their performance on desired outcomes.
In Indian contexts, where there is a lack of adaptive learning personalized learning and technology
Why Adaptive Learning Technology Matters in India
1. Addressing the learning-gap and diversity
Despite high school enrolment rates in India, learning outcomes remain weak. For example, according to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, only 23.4 % of Grade III students in rural India could read a Grade II text.
Adaptive learning platforms can personalize for each learner’s level, pace and language, helping students who are behind catch up, without slowing down those who are ahead.
2. Language, regional and equity challenges
India’s multilingual, multi-regional education system means that many learners study in languages other than English—and many remote or government schools lack resources. Adaptive systems that support vernacular content help bridge these gaps. As one article notes: “An adaptive learning platform is not a video library… It is a feedback engine that adjusts difficulty, sequence and support based on a child’s performance in real time.
This personalized approach promotes equity and inclusion.
3. Teacher support and classroom efficiency
In traditional large classrooms, it is difficult for teachers to offer one-on-one help for each student. Adaptive technologies free teacher time by identifying which students need remedial help, which topics need reinforcing, and enabling targeted interventions.
Thus educators become more efficient and can focus on higher-level instruction, mentoring and peer-learning.
4. Better engagement, motivation and outcomes
By offering content that is neither too hard nor too easy, adaptive platforms help maintain student motivation and reduce dropout. Gamification, progress-tracking, and adaptive feedback increase engagement.
Research shows adaptive systems lead to measurable improvements in student performance.
Key Adaptive Learning Platforms in India (2025)
Here are some of the noteworthy adaptive learning platforms operating in India today:
PAL Works
PAL Works is not a single product but a collaborative ecosystem of more than 20 organizations in India working with government schools to scale personalized adaptive learning (PAL) solutions.
Key features & impact:
- Emphasis on diagnostic assessment, customized practice and teacher dashboards.
- Implementation in government schools across states like Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, via tablets or computer labs.
- Evidence of strong outcomes: one study in AP found gains equivalent to nearly two additional years of learning in 17 months.
Why it matters: It shows how adaptive technology can scale in a public-school context and contribute to equity.
iPrep PAL
iPrep PAL is a commercial adaptive learning system designed for Indian school students covering classes 3 to 12 (aligned to CBSE/ICSE/state boards).
Key features:
- Diagnostic tests per chapter, personalized pathways, animated videos, mastery-based progression.
- Works both online and offline (tablet/Chromebook compatibility).
- Teacher dashboards and progress reports.
Relevance: Ideal for private/affluent schools or blended classrooms; it demonstrates how adaptive tech is reaching non-government schools.
Additional Platforms & Research
- A study titled “Adoption of Adaptive Learning-based E-learning platforms among University Students in Uttarakhand” found that AI, infrastructure, digital literacy, and socio-economic factors significantly influenced adoption of adaptive systems.
- Coverage of adaptive platforms in Indian languages shows how vernacular support is accelerating this trend.
While the sector is broader than individual product names, these examples illustrate the kinds of solutions in play.
Trends Shaping Adaptive Learning Technology in India (2025)
1. Vernacular support and regional expansion
With India focusing on education in the mother tongue (particularly through DIKSHA and various state programs), adaptive learning platforms are beginning to cater to more Indian languages. For example, DIKSHA provides materials in 36 Indian languages. The Times of India.
Providing resources in regional languages will help expand the reach of adaptive technology into rural and Tier II/III markets.
2. Blended-learning and classroom integration
Adaptive systems have been integrated into hybrid formats (online + offline) classes. Teachers utilize dashboards built into the system, students work on adaptive modules outside the classroom, and face-to-face time with students is reserved for enrichment and remediation.
These blended models enhance scalability and sustainability.
3. Increased use of AI, analytics & real-time feedback
To tailor content, adaptive systems are utilizing AI algorithms, learning analytics, and predictive modelling. According to one recent journal article, adaptive AI-enabled platforms greatly enhanced student autonomy and engagement.
Such technological advances influence the next generation of adaptive tools.
4. Evidence-based deployments and outcome measurement
Andhra Pradesh is implementing and assessing adaptive solutions on a large scale (for example, a learning gain of 1.9 years in 17 months).
Such evidence creates confidence and promotes widespread adoption, securing public funds.
5. Focus on equity and closing the foundational learning gap
The Adaptive tools mentioned here ease the challenge faced by the students who are behind >1 grade level. They assist in closing the foundational gaps of reading and numeracy and help in inclusive education.
In 2025 and the years after that, this will continue to be a key area.
6. Challenges in infrastructure, digital access and adoption
Adaptive learning practices are limited by the availability of certain technologies such as the internet and devices, as well as teacher preparedness, quality of content, and socio-economic factors. The Uttarakhand study identified such gaps as well.
These barriers must be resolved before scaling is possible.
What to Expect by 2025 & Beyond
As we move further into 2025, the adaptive learning technology space in India is likely to evolve in these ways:
- Wider reach into Tier II/III and rural India: With more affordable devices, internet access and regional language content, adaptive solutions will penetrate less-served markets.
- Deeper classroom integration: Adaptive modules will become a standard component of school teaching, rather than standalone tools. Teachers, administrators and systems will routinely use data dashboards to guide instruction.
- Emerging tech ecosystems: AI, VR/AR, gamification, and adaptive assessments will converge with adaptive learning to create immersive, personalized experiences.
- Stronger evidence and accreditation: More large-scale evaluations will build the evidence base, influencing policy, procurement and funding decisions.
- Sustainability and business models: Adaptive platforms will increasingly need to demonstrate unit economics, teacher uptake, and measurable outcomes to scale sustainably.
- Integration with national policy: With frameworks like National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) supporting technology in education, adaptive learning will align more closely with national goals.
- Focus on lifelong learning & skilling: Adaptive learning will expand beyond K-12 into upskilling, reskilling and adult education, catering to dynamic job markets.
Recommendations for Stakeholders
For Educators & Schools
- Pilot adaptive learning tools in a blended-model manner—use them for diagnostics, remediation and enrichment, not just independent practice.
- Select platforms that align with your board syllabus, language requirements, device availability and teacher support needs (e.g., iPrep PAL).
- Use teacher dashboards and analytics to identify students falling behind early—and intervene proactively.
- Train teachers in using the technology, interpreting data and designing complementary classroom activities.
For Students & Parents
- Choose adaptive platforms that adjust to your learning pace and provide feedback—not just video libraries.
- Make use of diagnostic assessments to identify gaps and use the personalized pathways provided.
- Don’t rely solely on adaptive tech—use it as part of a broader strategy including teacher interaction, peer learning and offline practice.
- Focus on consistency—regular use of adaptive modules builds habit and progress.
For EdTech Companies & Developers
- Design with multilingual, vernacular-first interfaces and content to reach wider segments.
- Priorities device-agnostic, offline-capable modules for areas with connectivity constraints.
- Build teacher-friendly dashboards, actionable analytics and strong support infrastructure.
- Partner with governments and schools to pilot large-scale deployments, collect outcome data and iterate continuously.
For Policymakers
- Support infrastructure investments (internet access, device availability) in underserved regions to enable adaptive learning.
- Encourage large-scale evaluations, outcome-based procurement and public-private partnerships around adaptive technologies.
- Promote frameworks and standards (e.g., adaptive learning evaluation, data privacy) that guide quality implementations.
- Incentivize adaptive learning adoption in government schools, especially to close foundational learning gaps.
Conclusion
Adaptive learning technology in India has a positive impact on personalization, equity, efficiency, and outcomes in all education systems. Examples include PAL Works and iPrep PAL. With solid infrastructure, pedagogy, language and teacher engagement, scaling India’s adaptive solutions, and 21st century teaching and learning are achievable.
As we move towards 2025, the merger of AI, data, vernacular content, and policy regulation will dictate adaptive learning’s acceptability and availability. It will revolutionize education in India.