CBSE to introduce AI in school curriculum from Class III
What's the story
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) in the school curriculum for students from Class III onwards. The new syllabus will come into effect in the 2026-27 academic year and will include foundational mathematics, language skills, and AI concepts like language models and chatbot prompts. This decision is part of a larger effort to prepare Indian students for an AI-driven workforce landscape.
Curriculum details
AI currently offered as skill subject
Currently, over 18,000 CBSE schools offer AI as a skill subject from Class VI onward through a 15-hour module. The subject is optional for Classes IX-XII. To ensure smooth integration of this new curriculum, a framework is being developed by the CBSE for AI integration across grades. A pilot project is also underway to help teachers use AI tools in lesson planning.
Job impact
NITI Aayog report on AI and jobs
The decision to introduce AI in schools comes after a NITI Aayog report on AI and jobs. The report predicts that while two million traditional jobs could be displaced, eight million new roles may emerge if the right ecosystem is created. It also stressed the need for collaboration between academia, government, and industry to create an enabling ecosystem for trained talent to become innovators and researchers.
Future goals
Ministry of Education working to integrate AI into degree programs
The NITI Aayog report emphasized that India's future in the AI economy depends on decisive action. It said coordinated leadership across government, industry, and academia can help India not only protect its workforce but also take a lead in the global AI landscape. The Ministry of Education is also working to introduce AI education into all degree programs, including BA, BCom, and BSc courses.