With the growing use of AI, some people imagine a future where machines replace human effort. However, a more accurate—and far more useful—framing may be, augmented intelligence: a human-centred partnership where people and AI systems work together to potentially sharpen judgment, speed up workflows, and open new possibilities.
Augmented intelligence might thus be defined as a design pattern in which AI enhances human cognitive performance—learning, decision-making, and the overall work experience.
Table Of Content
- What augmented intelligence really means
- Where human + machine is already working
- India’s triple edge
What augmented intelligence really means
The growing sophistication and adoption of Artificial Intelligence sits within a wider landscape of megatrends — long-term, structural forces such as technological advancement, demographic shifts, sustainability transitions, and evolving human behaviour. Unlike short-term cycles, megatrends unfold over years or even decades, influencing how people work, learn, consume, build, and invest. Augmented intelligence could evolve as one branch of the broader AI megatrend.
Unlike full automation—where a system acts with minimal human involvement—augmented intelligence assumes that humans stay in the loop. Humans set the goals, decide what the ideal outcomes look like, question the outputs, and take responsibility for the results. AI contributes by recognising patterns in data, drafting first versions, predicting potential risks, and personalising recommendations at scale.
Done right, this partnership may reduce drudgery while elevating the role of inherently human strengths––context, ethics, creativity, and accountability.
Research echoes this: According to an OECD study, AI has the potential to boost productivity and enhance job quality. The report also cautions that these gains depend on skills, access, and supportive policy — otherwise the benefits may remain concentrated among a few.
(Source: The impact of artificial intelligence on productivity, distribution and growth, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [2024]).
Read Also: The Origin of Megatrends: History, Evolution, and Impact
Where human + machine is already working
Healthcare: safer care, lighter paperwork
ABDM (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission) and ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) IDs—are quietly building the framework for augmented healthcare. Tens of crores of ABHA numbers and linked health records now flow through a consent-based network, letting clinicians view the right data at the right time. Alongside all this, AI supports summarisation, coding, and follow-up reminders.
The transformation is remarkable on the diagnostic side as well. AI-assisted chest X-ray interpretation for TB screening has shown cost savings and improved detection in evaluations, complementing clinicians rather than supplanting them. With telemedicine platforms such as eSanjeevani crossing tens of crores of consultations, clinicians increasingly use AI to route cases and document notes—small time savings that may add up to improved access.
Sources: Update on the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), Press Information Bureau, Feb 2025; Office of the Health Technology Assessment in India. (2023). Health technology assessment of AI-assisted CXR interpretation for tuberculosis: Policy brief. Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India; Measures taken by the government to use AI in the public health system, Press Information Bureau, March 2025.
Finance: sharper risk signals, more inclusive services
Augmented intelligence in finance includes fraud models that flag anomalies for analysts to review, credit engines that show underwriters why a loan or credit decision was made, and assistants that draft customer responses while agents verify tone and accuracy.
UPI, one of India’s biggest fintech success stories, has normalised real-time, low-cost payments at a national scale. Such scale gives AI models vast amounts of data, helping them potentially detect fraud more effectively and deliver smarter, more personalised financial services.
Read Also: Beginner’s Guide to Megatrends & Investing Basics
India’s triple edge
Three key factors position India to become potentially become hub for augmented intelligence:
- World-class digital rails: The widespread adoption of UPI, along with account aggregators and consent-based data sharing, might streamline processes and may enable the responsible development of human-in-the-loop AI services.
- Public AI compute: The government-approved IndiaAI Mission, with a budget of approximately Rs. 10,372 crore, seeks to establish national AI computing infrastructure while supporting start-ups and homegrown AI models. This initiative might make it easier for hospitals, MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), and universities to develop and collaborate with AI technologies.
- Languages at scale: The Bhashini mission is building foundational language tools so that AI might be able to assist users in Indian languages across voice and text.
Conclusion
Augmented intelligence doesn’t replace human judgment; instead, it may provide people with enhanced tools—like microscopes to spot patterns, copilots to handle routine tasks, and simulators to explore “what-if” scenarios. India—thanks to its digital rails, language stack, and emerging public computing resources—may be able to potentially lead in practical, inclusive augmentation. If businesses integrate AI into human workflows and invest in skills and safeguards, the potential benefits might be: more productive teams, safer operations, and services tailored to every Indian.
Note: References to any industry/sector are provided for illustrative purposes only. This should not be construed as a research report or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or sector. At Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Ltd, we aim to harness the power of megatrends by offering investors access to themes shaping the world’s future — from clean energy to technology, innovation, demographic shifts and more. Many of our funds follow a megatrends investment approach to help you participate in these long-term shifts, with a focus on growth potential and diversification. Build your future-focussed portfolio with Bajaj Finserv AMC.
