In a classroom in Bengaluru, students put on special headsets and suddenly find themselves walking through ancient India. They can see how people lived during the Mauryan Empire and learn history by being a part of it. In Mumbai, medical students practice performing operations without any risk to real patients. At IIT Delhi, engineering students collaborate in virtual environments to create and test designs that would otherwise be far too expensive to realize in the physical world.
All this is happening right now in India. Virtual Reality (VR) is changing the way students learn and teachers teach. Despite the exorbitant expenses and scepticism from conventional educators, virtual reality is taking the education industry by storm, becoming increasingly accessible and beneficial within educational institutions across India.
Five years ago, only the most elite private Institutions in major cities possessed VR equipment. These expensive devices were often either underutilized or merely showcased, without being integrated with the regular teaching curriculum.Top of FormBottom of Form
Today however, things are different. Government schemes like ‘Digital India’ and the ‘National Education Policy 2020’ have helped make VR headsets affordable enough for schools in smaller cities and towns to use.
Today’s VR lessons in India are aligned with the national educational curriculum and are available in a variety of Indian languages. The localization of content has been instrumental in the way it is being adopted in classrooms across the country.
The numbers reflect the change. In 2021, only 7% of high schools in India had VR technology. By 2024, this number grew to 38%. While city schools still have an excess of VR equipment, the gap between the urban and rural schools has reduced drastically, thanks to the government programs that fund the technology used in rural and small-town schools.
Addressing India’s Education Challenges
VR is the answer to some of India’s most complex education problems. Currently, the average pupil teacher ratio in a classroom stands at approximately 25:1. This figure combines both primary and secondary levels, and includes both government and private schools. As a result, classrooms are often overcrowded. India would accordingly need over 1 million more teachers to address the issue effectively. VR programs offer students with additional support and personalized attention that busy teachers may not always be able to provide.
Language differences are another challenge that VR can help with. Educational VR programs have now been released in 12 Indian languages, with plans to include all 22 official languages by 2026. This is very important in a country where students often struggle with the medium of instruction used in educational institutions.
Perhaps most importantly, VR helps schools that otherwise cannot afford expensive equipment. Schools that could never buy complete science labs can now offer virtual labs at a much lower cost. This helps give rural students the same opportunities as those in wealthy urban schools.
The New Education Policy: A Gamechanger
The National Education Policy 2020 has helped schools adopt VR by focusing on hands-on learning instead of memorization. The policy encourages using technology and provides both rules and money to help schools use VR properly.
The new policy changed things because it focused on results, and not only the equipment. Schools are now judged on how well they use technology to help students learn, not just on having the latest devices. This shift in focus has driven more meaningful VR implementation in classrooms across the country.
The policy’s focus on job skills has also led trade schools across India to use VR. Students learning car repair or manufacturing can practice skills that would otherwise require expensive equipment.
Made in India VR Content
One of the most significant developments has been the emergence of Virtual Reality (VR) content tailored exclusively for Indian students. Shifting away from foreign programs, Indian companies are now developing content specifically designed to align with the Indian curriculum and cultural context.
Previously, when schools attempted to implement foreign VR programs, many students struggled to engage with the material due to unfamiliar examples and accents. In contrast, schools now offer VR lessons that teach mathematics through the lens of Indian architecture, science lessons situated within Indian environments, and historical experiences that vividly illustrate India’s rich heritage. This localized approach not only enhances student engagement but also fosters a deeper connection to their educational content.Top of FormBottom of Form
These India- developed VR programs are meticulously designed to match the NCERT textbooks and help prepare students for their board exams, making them the ideal tools for optimal academic performance. It is this alignment with the existing education system that has been instrumental in fostering widespread acceptance amongst both educators and learners.
Unresolved Challenges
Despite the advancements made in virtual reality (VR) technology, significant challenges linger before it can be widely adopted in Indian schools. Although the cost of VR equipment has decreased, it remains prohibitively expensive for many institutions, particularly in rural regions. Furthermore, unreliable electricity and internet connectivity continue to pose obstacles in various areas, hindering the effective implementation of VR in educational settings.
The digital divide is another grave concern. Without careful planning, the benefits of VR will mostly go to students who already have advantages. Educational planners must work with the objective to ensure that VR technology reaches disadvantaged communities and doesn’t widen existing gaps.
Teacher training is another challenge. A recent survey found that while 65% of urban teachers felt comfortable using basic technology, only 23% were ready to use VR effectively in their teaching. The government is addressing this through training programs that now include sections on using immersive technology.
The Future of VR in Indian Education
Looking ahead, several developments will shape how VR grows in Indian education. Companies like Jio and Tata are developing cost-effective VR devices such as: HTC Vive engineered to withstand some of the most challenging and extreme environmental conditions in India, offering resistance to dust and heat, especially in industrial or field settings.
The spread of 5G networks across India will solve many of the connectivity problems of limited VR use, especially in rural areas. Enhanced internet facilities will allow more advanced VR applications that don’t need powerful computers at the school.
Partnerships between the government and private companies are proving to be a good model for expanding VR use. The government provides rules and initial funding, while private companies develop content and provide technical support.
The most exciting development is the emergence of a distinctly Indian approach to educational VR. Rather than just copying Western models, educators are creating teaching approaches that draw on Indian educational traditions while using modern technology.
As India works to become a knowledge superpower, the use of smart technologies like VR in education will be crucial. Students who learn through these immersive experiences today will form the workforce that drives India’s future growth. They will be better prepared than previous generations—not just with subject knowledge, but with the thinking skills, teamwork abilities, and comfort with technology that VR naturally develops.
For a country that has always had to balance traditional education with modern global needs, VR offers a bridge—a way to honor cultural heritage while preparing students for a future that will require great adaptability and creativity. The virtual experiences Indian students have in classrooms today may shape the real world they build tomorrow.
