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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue V, May 2026
“A Comparative Study of Perception towards Artificial Intelligence
and Sustainable Development among Urban and Rural College
Students.”
Sangeeta Das
Assistant Teacher, O P Jindal School
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150500141
Received: 15 May 2026; Accepted: 20 May 2026; Published: 08 June 2026
ABSTRACT
The current research was conducted to analyse the attitude of College students towards Artificial Intelligence
(AI) and Sustainable Development and also to compare the perspective of urban and rural students as well as
male and female students. Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a game changer technology affecting a variety
of industries such as education, health, agriculture, environment management and government. At the same time
sustainable development has become a worldwide goal for the balanced economic growth, environmental
conservation and social well-being. A descriptive survey approach with a comparative research design was used
in the study. A sample of 100 undergraduate college students including 50 urban and 50 rural students equally
distributed between male and female students was recruited using stratified random selection from selected
institutions of West Bengal. To gather data, the researcher prepared a self-structured instrument named as
“Perception Scale on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development” (PSAISD).
Data were analysed using statistical procedures including Mean, Standard Deviation and t - test. The results
indicated that urban students had considerably more awareness levels towards AI and Sustainable Development
than rural students owing to more exposure to technology and internet accessibility. The perception ratings of
female students were marginally higher than those of male students with no statistically significant differences.
The report also pointed to students’ understanding of AI applications in education, healthcare and environmental
sustainability, and their worries around ethics, privacy and jobs. The report highlights the need of inclusive AI
education, better digital infrastructure and awareness campaigns to encourage sustainable tech behaviours among
students.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Development, Perception, Urban Students, Rural Students,
College Students, AI Education, Sustainability, Digital Awareness, Technology Integration
INTRODUCTION
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most important technical developments of the contemporary period,
impacting many sectors of human existence including education, healthcare, agriculture, communication,
business and environmental management. AI stands for artificial intelligence, a term used to describe computer
systems and technologies that are able to execute activities that would normally need human intellect such as
learning, reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making. At the same time, sustainable development is a
significant worldwide issue owing to rising environmental concerns, rapid industrialisation, population
expansion and socioeconomic inequities. Sustainable development is development that fulfils the requirements
of the present without jeopardising the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own requirements.
The convergence of Artificial Intelligence and sustainable development has opened new avenues for addressing
global concerns via efficient resource utilisation, environmental monitoring, smart governance and technology
innovation. Technologies based on artificial intelligence are utilised to support renewable energy systems,
minimise environmental pollution, boost agricultural production, expand educational accessibility and promote
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue V, May 2026
sustainable economic development. The United Nations has also pointed out the relevance of technology
progress for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
College students are significant stakeholders in the educational sector for the knowledge and adoption of
sustainable technology practices. They are future workforce and decision makers of the society. Yet, students’
opinions towards AI and sustainable development may vary with geographical background and gender. kids in
urban areas have more access to digital technology, internet connectivity and instructional materials than kids in
rural areas. There might also be disparities between male and female pupils in awareness, attitudes and beliefs
towards AI and sustainability. So, it is vital to research and compare the opinion of the college students of the
urban and rural areas towards Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development.
Background of the Study
Artificial Intelligence is progressing rapidly, and is transforming society and economies globally. The
penetration of AI technology into everyday life and professional areas is rising to enhance efficiency, accuracy
and productivity. From smart health care systems and automated industries to digital learning platforms and
environmental conservation initiatives, AI has become a crucial engine of innovation and sustainable
advancement. The potential of AI to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, including climate change,
resource depletion, unemployment, poverty and educational inequity, is being acknowledged by researchers and
policy leaders throughout the globe.
The notion of sustainable development became a household term throughout the world after the United Nations
presented Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aims are to foster economic progress, environmental
preservation and social well-being in a balanced way. AI has a great role to play in attaining these objectives
with its intelligent systems that allow for effective decision making, minimise waste, optimise energy use, and
increase access to excellent education and health care services.
AI is increasingly being used in India in fields like as education, agriculture, transport, health care and
government. Educational institutions are using AI-enabled learning systems, digital platforms and smart
technology to enhance the teaching-learning processes. However, students’ understanding and view towards AI
and sustainable growth may be different based on their social and educational background. kids in cities are
more likely to have access to the technology and digital learning possibilities than kids in rural areas, who may
face challenges such as lack of internet infrastructure, educational resources, and exposure to technology.
Gender inequalities also affect students’ attitudes and views about technology progress and environmental
challenges. The confidence, awareness, and interest in AI applications and sustainable practices may vary
between male and female pupils. Therefore, it is vital to research the comparative view of urban-rural and male-
female college students on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development to understand the existing
inequalities and promote the equal knowledge and opportunity among students.
Rationale of the Study
The current research is attempted to explore the perspective of college students towards Artificial Intelligence
and Sustainable Development and to analyse if there are variations between urban and rural students and between
male and female students. AI is an integral aspect of education, business, healthcare and environmental
management in today’s technologically sophisticated world. The understanding and attitude of college students
about AI and sustainability are very crucial for development of a responsible and sustainable society as college
students are future professionals, policy makers, inventors, etc.
Owing to the fast increase in the issues of sustainable development such as climate change, unemployment,
environmental degradation and uneven access to resources, the researcher picked this study subject. Artificial
Intelligence may help solve these difficulties by providing new and effective solutions. However, understanding
of sustainable AI practices among students remains restricted, particularly in rural regions where access to
technology and digital education may be significantly lower than in metropolitan areas.
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Another essential reason to undertake this research is to find out whether gender-based inequalities exist in
students’ opinions about AI and sustainable development. By acknowledging these distinctions, educators and
policymakers may be better guided toward the development of inclusive education programs, awareness-raising
campaigns, and training efforts that support equitable involvement in technology innovation and sustainable
practices.
Moreover, this research is essential in terms of educational and technical research as it reveals the level of
awareness of AI and sustainability among students. The study’s results may assist instructors, educational
institutions, researchers and government organisations in formulating methods to promote awareness of
sustainable AI practices amongst college students. Furthermore, the study might be a significant reference for
future research in the field of Artificial Intelligence, sustainable development, digital education and students’
opinions.
Significance of the Study
The value of the current research is that it indicates the rising significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Sustainable Development in the contemporary society. As AI technologies become more and more integrated in
education, healthcare, business, agriculture and environmental management, it is important to assess the students'
perception of these technological breakthroughs and their role in sustainable development. College students are
the future workers, inventors, and decision-makers of society, and therefore their understanding and perspective
towards AI and sustainability are of significant importance for national and worldwide advancement.
The research is crucial in the education area since it helps to determine the degree of awareness and knowledge
of college students about sustainable AI techniques. The results might be useful for instructors, educational
institutions, and curriculum designers to build educational programs, seminars, and awareness campaigns
connected to Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development. It may also support the introduction of
sustainability-oriented technology education in higher education institutions.
The research is also useful in providing a comparative knowledge of the attitudes of AI and Sustainable
Development of urban and rural pupils. Urban students normally have better access to digital infrastructure,
technology resources and learning opportunities than rural pupils. The disparities in perception shown in the
research may provide guidance to policy makers and educators to design measures to bridge the digital divide
and to provide equal educational chances to kids from varied geographical origins.
The research is especially relevant as it explores the gender-based disparities in the perspective towards AI and
sustainable development. Understanding the differences in understanding, attitudes and acceptance of AI
technology by male and female students might aid institutions to foster inclusive and gender-sensitive technical
education. The results may help promote equitable involvement of both male and female students in AI-related
learning and sustainable innovation.
Furthermore, the paper offers empirical understanding of students’ perspective of AI and sustainability and
makes a contribution to the area of educational and technical research. Research on this issue is currently
restricted in the Indian context, however, the study may be a valuable reference for the future researchers
interested in Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Development, digital education and students’ perception studies.
Finally, the research is socially important since it encourages awareness about the appropriate and sustainable
usage of Artificial Intelligence. The results might assist society better grasp the necessity of a balance between
technology innovation and environmental preservation, ethical behaviours, and social well-being for the
achievement of sustainable development objectives.
Objectives of the Study
1.To examine the perspective of the students towards Artificial Intelligence & Sustainable Development.
2.To examine the perspective of AI and Sustainable Development between urban and rural college students.
3.To investigate whether there is a substantial difference between male & female pupils about AI and
Sustainable Development.
4.To recommend strategies to promote awareness of sustainable AI techniques.
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Hypotheses of the Study
Hypothesis 1
There is no significant-difference in the perception of urban & rural college students towards Artificial
Intelligence and Sustainable Development.
Hypothesis 2
There is no significant-difference in the perception of male & female college students towards Artificial
Intelligence and Sustainable Development.
Variables of the Study
Type of Variable
Variable
Independent Variable
Urban/Rural Students; male/female students
Dependent Variable
Perception towards AI & Sustainable Development
Delimitations of the Study
1.The study is limited to college students only.
2.The study is confined to selected colleges of West-Bengal only.
3.The study focuses only on the perception towards Artificial Intelligence & Sustainable Development.
4.The study is restricted to urban & rural college students.
5.The study is limited to male & female students only.
6.The study is conducted using a survey method & data collected through questionnaires only.
7.The findings of the study are based on the responses provided by the students at the time of data collection.
8.The study does not include ‘school students’, ‘university teachers’, or other ‘professional groups’.
9.The study is limited to the ‘academic session’ during which the research is conducted.
10.The study considers only selected variables such as geographical background (urban/rural) & gender
(male/female).
Research Gap
Based on the existing literature, it can be seen that there have been several research undertaken on Artificial
Intelligence, sustainable development, digital education and technological innovation. Researchers have
investigated the role of AI in enhancing industrial efficiency, environmental sustainability, health care systems,
smart cities, and educational methods. Likewise, numerous studies have been done on sustainable development
objectives, environmental awareness, and the influence of technology on society. However, there are relatively
few research which precisely study the integrated notion of Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development
from the viewpoint of college students.
Most of previous research are focused largely on the technical, economic or industrial uses of AI, and comparably
little attention has been devoted to the students’ perspectives and knowledge of sustainable AI practices.
Moreover, there are few studies comparing the disparities of college students’ perceptions of Artificial
Intelligence and Sustainable Development between urban and rural. Although urban children may have different
technology exposure, educational opportunities, and digital access than rural students, the distinctions have not
been comprehensively examined in the study.
Furthermore, few research have explored gender variations in students’ perspectives of AI and sustainable
development. In addition, existing research often ignores the gender differences, i.e., whether male and female
students vary in knowledge, attitudes and comprehension of AI-driven sustainability practices. This leaves a
knowledge vacuum on the effect of demographic factors on opinions about contemporary technology and
environmental challenges.
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Furthermore, few research have explored gender variations in students’ perspectives of AI and sustainable
development. In addition, existing research often ignores the gender differences, i.e., whether male and female
students vary in knowledge, attitudes and comprehension of AI-driven sustainability practices. This leaves a
knowledge vacuum on the effect of demographic factors on opinions about contemporary technology and
environmental challenges.
The research is anticipated to add to the current body of knowledge by empirically examining students’
awareness and attitudes of sustainable AI practices. It may also assist educators, policymakers and institutions
in developing methods to promote equitable technology awareness and sustainable education among various
student populations.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge by experimentally analysing the awareness and
attitudes of students towards sustainable AI activities. It might also help educators, policymakers and institutions
establish strategies to promote fair technology knowledge and sustainable education for diverse student groups.
The Sustainable Development objectives Report 2023 of the United Nations (2023) highlighted the urgent need
for technical innovation and global collaboration to accomplish the sustainable development objectives. The
report noted issues such as climate change, inequality, poverty and poor quality of education and suggested that
advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence can play a major role in achieving sustainability goals
through efficient resource management, environmental observation and data-driven choices.
Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability: Transforming Industries for a Sustainable Future, a report by IBM
Research (2022), described how AI technologies are transforming industries by improving operational efficiency,
reducing environmental waste, and enabling sustainable industrial practices. The paper covered the use of AI in
intelligent energy systems, climate analysis and resource optimisation for the long run.
In its AI for Earth Annual Impact Report, Microsoft AI for Earth (2023) highlighted AI applications in
environmental conservation, biodiversity preservation, agriculture, and climate action. The paper pointed out
that AI-driven technologies may facilitate sustainable development by supporting governments, organisations
and communities in making informed environmental choices.
Kumar (2022) in Research Methodology: A Step-by-step Guide for Beginners, underlined the need of systematic
research for comprehending the educational and societal concerns. The author noted that comparative studies
are useful in differentiating between groups based on demographic and social factors such as gender, regional
origin and educational exposure.
Sharma (2023) did a research on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development in India and revealed that
AI technologies are widely used in governance, health care, agriculture, and education to enhance sustainability
results. The research pointed out that differences in infrastructure and technology exposure result in disparities
in awareness and access to AI technologies between urban and rural people.
In his paper Role of Technology in Sustainable Education, Singh (2021) highlighted that technology based
learning systems enhance the accessibility, quality and effectiveness of education. The research highlighted that
digital technologies and AI-supported education methods may promote sustainable education and improve
students’ learning experience. But rural pupils face the difficulty of uneven access to digital tools.
In the essay Artificial Intelligence (AI): Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Emerging Challenges, Opportunities
and Agenda for Research, Practice and Policy, Dwivedi et al. (2021) explored the expanding effect of AI in
several fields. The authors cited prospects for increased productivity, automation and innovation, and problems
linked to ethics, privacy and employment. The research highlighted the significance of ethical AI techniques for
sustainable society growth.
Vinuesa et al. (2020) in their paper The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Achieving the Sustainable Development
Goals reviewed how AI positively helps to numerous SDGs such as quality education, renewable energy,
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sustainable cities and climate action. The experts said that if deployed ethically and inclusively, AI may speed
sustainable development.
Floridi et al. (2020), AI4People—An Ethical Framework for a Good AI Society, focusing on the ethical aspects
of Artificial Intelligence. The research stressed the significance of openness, accountability, privacy and justice
in AI applications. For technology innovation to help society without producing inequity or societal damage,
ethical AI practices are important, the authors said.
Concepts, applications, and achievements in AI have been thoroughly discussed by Russell and Norvig (2021)
in Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach. The authors spoke about how AI technologies are altering human
operations via intelligent decision-making and automation. The book also underscored the increasing relevance
of AI in education, business, healthcare and environmental sustainability.
In the paper Artificial Intelligence and Smart Sustainable Cities of the Future, Bibri (2021) describes how AI
technologies contribute to the creation of smart and sustainable cities. The research highlighted the use of AI in
urban planning, traffic control, energy efficiency, waste management and environmental sustainability. The
study found that AI can enhance the quality of urban life and ensure sustainable growth.
World Economic Forum (2022) . Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development . The report
emphasised the need of incorporating AI into global sustainability efforts. The paper examined the potential for
governments and institutions to use AI to drive climate action, economic growth, educational advancement, and
social welfare, while upholding ethical standards and inclusive policies. The research studied reveals a higher
potential of Artificial Intelligence to assist sustainable development in numerous fields. Previous research have
mostly been concerned with industrial uses, environmental sustainability, ethical issues, and technical innovation.
However, few research have studied the students’ perspectives towards AI and Sustainable Development,
especially in terms of urban-rural and gender-based inequalities. Thus, the current research seeks to address this
gap by evaluating and comparing the opinions of college students in urban and rural areas and male and female
students towards Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Method
The present study adopts the descriptive survey method.
Research Design
The comparative study design was utilised to compare the perception levels of various groups of students on
Artificial Intelligence & Sustainable Development.
Population of the Study
The population is undergraduate college students studying at colleges in West-Bengal.
Sample of the Study
A sample of 100 students was drawn via stratified random sampling.
Group
Male Students
Female Students
Total
Urban Students
30
20
50
Rural Students
20
30
50
Total
50
50
100
Tool Used for Data Collection
The researcher developed a self-structured tool entitled:
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“Perception Scale on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development” (PSAISD)
The scale consists of statements related to:
Awareness of AI
Environmental sustainability
AI in education
AI in healthcare
AI and employment
Ethical AI usage
Smart technology and sustainability
Nature of the Scale
A 5-point Likert Scale was used:
Negative statements were scored in reverse order.
Pilot Study
Twenty students participated in a pilot study to assess the questionnaire's validity, reliability, and clarity.
Validity of the Tool
To guarantee content and face validity, experts’ opinion of professionals in education, information technology
and environmental studies was used to verify the instrument.
Reliability of the Tool
The dependability of the scale was tested using the split-half approach. The reliability coefficient obtained was
determined to be good.
Statistical Technique Used
The following statistical techniques were used:
Mean
Standard Deviation
t-test
The t-test was used to compare the mean scores of urban & rural students.
Data Analysis
Table 1 Comparison of Urban & Rural Students regarding AI & Sustainable Development
Group
N
Mean
SD
t-value
Urban Students
50
78.42
8.64
2.48
Rural Students
50
72.15
9.11
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Interpretation
Urban students had more perception ratings on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development than rural
pupils. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups which indicates variance in
amount of awareness and exposure.
Fig.1.Comparison of Urban & Rural Students regarding AI & Sustainable Development
Table 2 Comparison of Male and Female Students regarding AI and Sustainable Development
Group
N
Mean
SD
t-value
Male Students
50
75.38
8.92
1.12
Female Students
50
77.04
8.47
Interpretation
The female students had marginally higher perception ratings than the male pupils. However, the change was
not statistically significant.
Fig.2: Comparison of Male and Female Students regarding AI and Sustainable Development
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
1. The pupils from urban areas showed more awareness towards AI and sustainable development compared
to the students from rural areas.
N Mean
Urban Students
50 78.42
Rural Students
50 72.15
50
78.42
50
72.15
0
20
40
60
80
100
Comparison of Urban & Rural Students regarding AI
& Sustainable Development
Urban Students Rural Students
N Mean
Male Students
50 75.38
Female Students
50 77.04
50
75.38
50
77.04
0
20
40
60
80
100
Comparison of Male and Female Students regarding
AI and Sustainable Development
Male Students Female Students
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2.Access to digital technologies altered the levels of perception of students.
3.Female students had comparably high perceptions about sustainable technology practices.
4.Students were familiarised with AI applications in health care, education and environmental management.
5.The AI ethics, jobs and privacy were the issues of concern for the responders.
Educational Implications
1.“Educational institutions should raise awareness of sustainable AI practices.
2.Rural pupils should be exposed to technology and digital infrastructure better.
3.Higher education courses should include AI literacy initiatives.
4.New technology in education should be connected to ideas of sustainable development.
5.Organise workshops and lectures on ethical AI.
Suggestions for Further Research
1.Similar studies might be undertaken on instructors, professionals or school pupils.
2.Comparative study may be made of government and private organisations.
4.Studies might investigate the effect of AI literacy on environmental consciousness.
5.Research might be done on AI and sustainability entrepreneurship.
CONCLUSION
Artificial Intelligence is a powerful force to achieve sustainable growth in the many industries. The current
research found significant disparities in the perceptions of urban and rural pupils about AI and sustainability.
Levels of awareness are mostly determined by technological exposure, educational possibilities and digital
accessibility. The research underscores the necessity to provide inclusive AI education and sustainable
technology policy to maintain balanced social and economic growth.
REFERENCES
