Around 88% of students now use AI in their learning, according to the Digital Education Council’s 2026 global survey. That is nearly everyone, yet the same survey shows a gap between using AI and being helped by it. Here is what the numbers say and how students can use AI without letting their own skills go soft.
Key Facts
- The Digital Education Council surveyed 45,398 people in 35 countries: 27,284 students and 18,114 faculty (Digital Education Council, 2026).
- 88% of students use AI in their learning and 77% of faculty use it in teaching (EdTech Innovation Hub, 9 July 2026).
- Only 28% of students say their assessments reflect the skills needed in an AI-enabled workplace.
- About one-fifth of students report trouble working without AI or weaker retention because of reliance on it.
- Only 29% of students believe their instructors are equipped to guide AI use.
What the Survey Found About Students and AI
Most students use AI, but few say it has changed how they learn. Only 5% told the researchers AI has “transformed” their learning. Another 28% said it improves understanding and outcomes, 42% found it only somewhat helpful, and 24% saw no clear learning value.
Classrooms are also patchy. Just 15% of students see AI built into many courses, 43% meet it in a few, and 43% in none. Students are largely working out AI on their own.
Why Student AI Use Can Weaken Skills
Heavy reliance on AI may hurt skill-building, and some students are noticing. About one-fifth report difficulty working without it or reduced retention, and 73% of faculty worry students are neglecting skill development (EdTech Innovation Hub).
A separate roundup of September 2026 education news notes educator reports that students produce better homework with AI but do worse on exams, and that MIT researchers flagged early evidence of weaker memory and critical thinking (Pursuit). Treat that as early evidence rather than settled science. It fits a simple idea, though: if the AI does the thinking, your brain gets less practice.
5 Study Habits for Using AI Without Losing Your Skills
These habits are practical suggestions based on the survey’s concerns, not findings from the study itself.
1. Try first, then ask
Attempt the problem or draft the paragraph yourself before opening an AI tool. Even a rough attempt gives you something to compare against.
2. Use AI to quiz you, not to answer for you
Ask it for practice questions on a chapter, then answer them without help. Retrieval is what builds memory for exams.
3. Explain it back
After an AI explanation, close the tab and write the idea in your own words. If you can’t, you haven’t learned it yet.
4. Check what it tells you
AI can be wrong with total confidence. Verify facts, formulas and citations against your textbook or class notes.
5. Do some work AI-free on purpose
Exams usually don’t allow AI. Practise past papers under timed, no-AI conditions so exam day isn’t your first test.
What This Means for Class 12 and College Students
Whether you are in Class 12 or at university, the survey suggests you can’t count on teachers or assessments to guide you: only 29% of students think instructors are equipped for it. Check your own institution’s AI rules, since policies vary widely, and ask when you’re unsure what counts as allowed help.
FAQ
Q. How many students use AI for studying?
Ans. The Digital Education Council’s 2026 survey found that 88% of students use AI in their learning. It covered higher education in 35 countries.
Q. Does using AI make students learn less?
Ans. It can if AI replaces your own thinking. About one-fifth of surveyed students reported reduced retention or difficulty working without it, though only 28% said it clearly improves their understanding.
Q. How should I use AI for exam preparation?
Ans. Use it for practice questions, feedback and explanations after you’ve tried the work yourself. Then test yourself without it.
Q. Is AI use allowed in my course?
Ans. It depends on your school or college. Nearly a quarter of surveyed students said they can’t use AI in any coursework, so read your course policy or ask your teacher.
Next Steps
Pick one habit from the list and try it this week, starting with “try first, then ask.” Since 88% of students use AI, the edge will come from how you use it, not whether you do. Check back for updates as new research on how students use AI comes out.