खंड 2 No. volume 2, issue 12, Feb, pg2027-2042 (2026): AI-Assisted Learning and Students’ Critical Thinking: Examining the Influence of Generative AI on Learning Engagement among Higher Education Students

Generative AI has revolutionized the results of alliteration in higher education industry. These instruments are, nowadays, flag bearers of instant information development and personalised assistance. This study investigates the double impact of Generative AI on the learning engagement and critical thinking of high education students. Utilising secondary sources and thematic exploration, this study has assessed how increased adoption of generative AI has impacted students' active thinking, independent learning, and educational engagement. The outcomes of this study indicated that GenAI can be a functional tool that is a learning facilitator and probable cause of cognitive offloading among learners. This depends on the perspective of learners’ usage of Generative AI. However, this research concludes that Generative AI is a strategic resource for critical thinking but can also impede it when used as a substitute for cognitive effort.

Keywords: Generative AI, Learning Engagement, Critical Thinking, Higher Education Students, Problem-Solving, Cognitive Offloading,, Digital Literacy