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AI focused curriculum - CBSE students

The latest news is that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India is introducing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) focused curriculum from Class 3 onwards starting in the 2026-27 academic year. 

This initiative is aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aimed at preparing students for an AI-driven future.


Key points about the CBSE AI curriculum:
  • CBSE has drafted a curriculum covering Classes 3 to 12 on AI and Computational Thinking (CT), which will be reviewed and finalized by NCERT.
  • The curriculum emphasizes AI as a fundamental, universal skill, integrated into students' learning experience to develop skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
  • The approach is gradual and inclusive, starting from foundational levels in Class 3 with progression across higher classes.
  • The curriculum also focuses on the ethical application of AI, under the concept "AI for Public Good."
  • Resource materials, teacher training modules through NISHTHA, and digital content are being prepared with the finalization expected by December 2025 to enable smooth implementation.
  • The initiative includes extensive collaboration among CBSE, NCERT, KVS, NVS, IIT Madras, and other expert bodies, with the expert committee led by Prof. Karthik Raman of IIT Madras.
  • Existing modules like “Skilling for AI Readiness” (SOAR) are already being implemented in Classes 6–8 as a precursor.
This move is a significant effort to embed AI education deeply in the school system to equip students with the necessary skills for the evolving job market, where AI and human collaboration will be the norm.​

Curriculum Structure

The AI curriculum is offered as a skill-based subject, with a progressive approach across different grade levels: 
  • Middle School (Classes 6-8): Focuses on "AI Inspire" modules to develop AI readiness, appreciation for its applications in daily life, and an understanding of its ethical considerations through engaging activities, games, and multi-sensorial learning. Key topics include:
    • Introduction to AI and its applications.
    • The three domains of AI: Data, Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing (NLP).
    • AI Project Cycle framework (Problem Scoping, Data Acquisition, Data Exploration, Modelling, Evaluation).
    • Ethical considerations, AI bias, and AI access.
    • Basic programming skills using gamified platforms or tools like PictoBlox.
  • Secondary Level (Classes 9-10, Subject Code 417): AI is available as an optional skill subject. The curriculum deepens the understanding of concepts and introduces practical skills:
    • Revisiting the AI Project Cycle, AI domains, and ethics.
    • Introduction to basic Python programming and its applications.
    • Data Science fundamentals (collection, analysis, visualization).
    • Computer Vision (image basics, processing, neural networks).
    • Natural Language Processing (text processing, chatbots, NLTK library).
    • Evaluation metrics for AI models.
  • Senior Secondary Level (Classes 11-12, Subject Code 843): The curriculum offers a deeper, more technical and conceptual understanding, preparing students for future careers in the field. Key topics include:
    • Advanced Python programming with libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Scikit-learn.
    • Machine Learning algorithms (supervised, unsupervised, deep learning, regression, clustering).
    • Mathematical foundations for AI (statistics, probability).
    • Data literacy and storytelling with data.
    • Generative AI concepts.
    • Development of a comprehensive capstone project applying learned skills to real-world problems. 
Key Highlights
  • Practical Focus: Emphasizes hands-on activities, projects (often linked to Sustainable Development Goals), and the use of AI tools/software (e.g., PictoBlox, Orange Data Mining, Lobe.ai).
  • Industry Collaboration: Developed with support from partners like Intel and IBM to align with industry standards and provide resources for teacher training.
  • Holistic Skills: Integrates "employability skills" such as communication, self-management, and entrepreneurship alongside subject-specific technical skills.
  • Ethics and Bias: Strong focus on the ethical implications of AI, including bias, transparency, and data privacy.
  • Future Planning: From the 2026-27 session, AI and computational thinking will be integrated into the curriculum starting from Class 3 to build foundational literacy from a younger age. 

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