NCERT to Introduce AI Textbooks for Senior Classes and Vocational Education

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is preparing to launch AI textbooks for classes 11 and 12, along with a project for Grade 6 vocational education. This initiative aims to enhance AI literacy among students and educators, starting from the academic year 2026-27. The SOAR program will support equitable access to AI education, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. The curriculum will include various modules designed to build foundational AI skills among students. Discover how this initiative will shape the future of education in India.

By Ambika Singh Dec 22, 2025, 16:01 IST

Introduction of AI in Education

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is set to create textbooks focused on artificial intelligence (AI) for students in classes 11 and 12. As per the Ministry of Education, NCERT will also incorporate a project utilizing AI tools for animations and games in the vocational education textbook for Grade 6.

Detailed AI Curriculum for Students

Students will now have the opportunity to delve deeper into artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Education has announced that NCERT has established a dedicated team to develop the syllabus and textbooks for AI for classes 11 and 12. In a recent statement made in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry confirmed the inclusion of an AI project in the Grade 6 vocational education textbook.

Implementation Timeline

The AI curriculum is expected to be rolled out in all schools starting from Class 3 in the academic year 2026-27, in accordance with NEP 2020 and NCF SE 2023. Official sources indicate that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has crafted a syllabus for AI and computational thinking for students from classes 3 to 12. This initiative aims to introduce foundational AI concepts in earlier grades while making advanced computational thinking and AI mandatory for classes 9 and 10.

SOAR Initiative for AI Readiness

The Government of India has initiated a program named SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), which aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the National Programme on AI (NPAI) Skilling Framework, and the vision for a digitally empowered and inclusive India by 2047.

SOAR aims to boost AI awareness and foundational skills among students in Grades 6-12 while enhancing AI literacy among educators. The Ministry emphasized that this initiative seeks to close the digital gap by providing equitable access to AI education across various regions, thus supporting the national agenda for inclusive and future-ready skill development.

SOAR Curriculum Overview

The SOAR curriculum consists of four progressive modules aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). For students in Grades 6 to 12, three unique micro-credentials are available: (i) AI to be Aware, (ii) AI to Acquire, and (iii) AI to Aspire, each lasting 15 hours, culminating in a total of 45 hours.