The Ministry of Education is set to roll out Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the school curriculum for students from Class 3 onwards starting from the 2026-27 academic year, officials confirmed on Thursday.
A comprehensive framework is being developed to integrate AI learning seamlessly across different grade levels. The move aims to prepare India’s students for an increasingly digital and technology-driven world.
AI Education from Primary Level
School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar said that the initiative will help both teachers and students become comfortable with AI tools and concepts within the next few years.
“The challenge will be to train over one crore teachers across the country so they can teach AI effectively. The CBSE is currently working on the framework for this,” Kumar stated.
A pilot project has already been launched to help teachers incorporate AI tools into lesson planning and classroom activities. “Our goal is to prepare both learners and educators for the digital economy,” he added.
Existing AI Integration in Schools
Currently, over 18,000 CBSE-affiliated schools are teaching AI as a skill subject from Class 6 onwards, using a 15-hour introductory module. At the secondary and senior secondary levels (Classes 9–12), AI is offered as an optional subject, focusing on practical applications, ethics, and innovation.
NITI Aayog Report on AI and Employment
Kumar made the announcement while releasing a NITI Aayog report on Artificial Intelligence and Employment, which highlights the technology’s transformative impact on India’s job market.
The report estimated that while two million traditional jobs may be displaced due to AI automation, nearly eight million new opportunities could emerge if India invests strategically in AI education, infrastructure, and innovation.
It also called for greater coordination between the upcoming India AI Talent Mission and the existing India AI Mission, encouraging collaboration among academia, government, and industry to build a robust AI ecosystem.
India’s Roadmap for AI Leadership
The report concluded that India’s success in the AI-driven global economy will depend on timely and coordinated efforts across sectors. With the right policies and training, India has the potential not only to safeguard its workforce but also to emerge as a world leader in Artificial Intelligence research and innovation.
