The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights ‘Concerted curricular and pedagogical initiatives, including the introduction of contemporary subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking, Holistic Health, Organic Living, Environmental Education, Global Citizenship Education (GCED), etc. at relevant stages will be undertaken to develop these various important skills in students at all levels’.

NEP 2020 also recommends at para no 4.25 that ‘It is recognized that mathematics and mathematical thinking will be very important for India’ s future and India’s leadership role in the numerous upcoming fields and professions that will involve artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science, etc. Thus, mathematics and computational thinking will be given increased emphasis throughout the school years, starting with the foundational stage, through a variety of innovative methods, including the regular use of puzzles and games that make mathematical thinking more enjoyable and engaging. Activities involving coding will be introduced in Middle Stage’.

The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) 2023 emphasizes ‘Mathematics Education has never been more important globally for students and for society. The close connection between Mathematics and artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, climate modelling, infrastructure development, and the numerous other related scientific issues faced by India and all nations today makes Mathematics a particularly crucial area of school education’.

Further, it also, inter-alia, provides that the emergence of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, as well as big data analytics and visualisation will definitely find innovative applications in the education domain. There are enormous possibilities to use emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Science, as well as immersive (AR/ VR/ virtual labs), interactive, and gamified contents to improve the teaching-learning and assessment processes, supporting Teacher preparation and professional development, enhancing educational access, and streamlining educational planning, management, and administration.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education by enabling personalized learning, intelligent assessment, adaptive instruction, and data-driven decision-making. Recognizing AI as a dynamic and strategic technology for the 21st century, the Government of India has initiated action for integration of Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the school education ecosystem through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

Accordingly, NCERT in collaboration with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a dedicated Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence Curriculum for Classes III to VIII from the academic year 2026-27. Curriculum for grade 9-12 in Artificial Intelligence and allied subjects has been finalized. This curriculum focuses on fostering logical reasoning, pattern recognition, algorithm design, and data literacy, while also emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical AI. By integrating problem-solving, creativity, and innovation, the framework deliberately positions Computational Thinking as the foundational competency upon which AI learning is built, ensuring a meaningful and age-appropriate progression across grades.

To support the learning process, Teacher Handbooks and Facilitator Guides have also been developed and are available on the website CBSE at (https://cbseacademic.nic.in/skilleducation.html). As far as CBSE is concerned, the infrastructure required for teaching AI in schools has been clearly mentioned in the curriculum and schools are required to ensure availability of adequate infrastructure for students studying AI as a subject. Besides, all affiliated schools of the Board have to maintain digital infrastructure as per the affiliation Bye-Laws of the Board.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched a national level initiative SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), which aims to embed AI awareness and foundational skills among school students (Classes 6–12) and to build AI literacy among educators. SOAR comprises three progressive 15-hour modules for students—AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire—and one independent 45-hour module for teachers titled AI for Educators. The program introduces concepts such as AI basics, generative AI, AI in daily life, programming fundamentals, ethics, cybersecurity and future career opportunities.

Further, education is a subject under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, and the majority of schools are under the jurisdiction of the State/Union Territory Governments. Accordingly, the establishment of AI and Robotics Laboratories in schools under their jurisdiction is the responsibility of the respective State/Union Territory Governments.

This information was given by Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. 

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