CBSE Introduces Artificial Intelligence Curriculum for Grades 3 to 12
Introduction of AI in Education
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has drafted a new curriculum focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students in grades 3 through 12, which is set to launch in April 2026. The draft has been submitted to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for review.
Transforming the Education System
This initiative marks a significant shift in the educational landscape of the country, aiming to introduce technology to students at an early age. The CBSE's draft will undergo scrutiny by an expert committee tasked with assessing and refining the curriculum to meet the specific needs of Indian educational institutions.
Early Exposure to Technology
The Ministry of Education's School Education Department plans to introduce AI and computational thinking starting from Grade 3. This approach is designed to cultivate technological familiarity and innovative thinking among young learners. The Ministry is also reviewing international AI curricula while tailoring the Indian version to local educational requirements.
Teacher Preparation Initiatives
In addition to developing the curriculum, the Ministry is committed to preparing educators for this new subject. Resource materials, handbooks, and digital content are expected to be ready by December 2025. Teacher training will commence once NCERT finalizes the curriculum, ensuring a smooth rollout of AI education in schools by the start of the 2026 academic year.
Current AI Education Landscape
Currently, AI is offered as an optional subject in CBSE schools starting from Grade 8, but access varies across state education boards. The goal is to standardize AI as an optional subject across all school boards nationwide in the upcoming academic session. Since its introduction in 2019, AI has gained popularity, with around 7.9 lakh students from 4,538 schools opting for it in grades 9 and 10 during the 2024-25 session, and 50,343 students from 944 schools at the senior secondary level.
Expert Opinions on Skill Education
A report from 'Parakh', an NCERT initiative, indicates that only 9.52% of school boards have made skill subjects mandatory, leaving 90% as optional. Education specialists advocate for making skill subjects compulsory to ensure students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.