• Sarvesh Jadhav

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot and Gemini can write, explain and correct program code within seconds. These tools are now widely used by Information Technology (IT) students for practicals, assignments and projects. At the same time, practical examinations, vivas and job interviews still expect students to write and debug programs on their own. This review paper examines fifteen research studies published between 2022 and 2025 on the use of GenAI in programming education and on students' perceptions of these tools. The studies were grouped into five themes: the capability of AI code generators, their effect on novice learners and productivity, student perceptions and usage patterns, the risk of over-dependence and cognitive offloading, and the response of educators. The review finds that GenAI tools clearly improve speed and task completion and can support learning when used carefully. However, controlled studies also show that unrestricted use can reduce independent performance once AI support is removed, and that frequent use is linked with lower critical thinking. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a simple four-step "Learn-Generate-Verify-Explain" model for responsible use of AI in programming courses and identifies the need for quantitative studies on IT students in Indian cities.

Generative AI, ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Programming Education, Coding Skills,Over-Dependence, Cognitive Offloading, Review

"Generative AI Tools and Programming Skills of IT Students: A Review of Benefits and the Risk of Over-Dependence", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no.a716-a721, October-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610077.pdf

"Generative AI Tools and Programming Skills of IT Students: A Review of Benefits and the Risk of Over-Dependence", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no. ppa716-a721, October-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610077.pdf