Developing an AI Governance Readiness Index (AIGRI) for Indian Higher Education Institutions

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education with intelligent learning systems, automated administration, research support, academic assessment, and institutional decision-making. As Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) increasingly incorporate AI-enabled technologies, the lack of a standardized framework for evaluating institutional readiness for responsible AI governance has become a significant policy and administrative challenge. Current evaluation mechanisms primarily emphasize digital infrastructure and technology adoption, neglecting critical aspects such as ethical governance, institutional policy, regulatory compliance, data governance, academic integrity, human capacity development, and transparency, accountability, and risk management. In this paper, we propose developing an AI Governance Readiness Index (AIGRI) as a multidimensional framework to evaluate the preparedness of Indian Higher Education Institutions for the responsible and sustainable adoption of AI. The proposed index is structured around eight interconnected dimensions: Institutional Leadership and Governance, AI Policy and Regulatory Compliance, Digital Infrastructure, Data Governance and Cybersecurity, Human Capacity and AI Literacy, Ethical and Responsible AI Practices, Academic and Research Integrity, and Continuous Evaluation and Innovation. Each dimension is associated with measurable indicators that enable institutions to assess their current status, identify governance gaps, and formulate evidence-based strategies for improvement. The study employs a qualitative doctrinal and policy research approach, underpinned by an extensive review of national education policies, AI governance frameworks, international ethical AI guidelines, and literature on higher education quality assurance. The paper proposes a preliminary scoring model based on principles of responsible AI, good governance, and institutional accountability, which can then be validated through empirical research with universities across India. The proposed AIGRI is a practical governance tool for university administrators, policymakers, accreditation agencies, and regulatory bodies to assess AI readiness systematically. It also contributes to the emerging discourse of AI governance by shifting the focus from technology adoption to institutional preparedness, ethical implementation, and governance maturity. The framework could be a valuable addition to national quality assurance efforts, such as NAAC. It could be aligned with India’s vision of digitally empowered, globally competitive, and socially responsible higher education institutions. The study concludes that the development of a standardized AI Governance Readiness Index can guide policy decisions, enhance institutional resilience, encourage responsible AI adoption, and aid sustainable transformation of higher education in the era of intelligent technologies.