Ministry of Education plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT)

1TheMinistry of Educationplans to introduceArtificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT)from Class 3 onwards in the 2026–27 academic year under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE)2023, in Line with National Education policy (NEP) 2020to prepare students for an AI-driven future

TheCentral Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)has set up an expert committee led by Prof. Karthik Raman to develop the curriculum, guided by the concept of linkingAI learning to “The World Around Us” (TWAU)for real-life relevance.

(a) Background and Alignment with National Policies

The decision stems from the recognition that AI is rapidly becoming a basic universal skill essential for navigating an AI-driven future and preparing a "future-ready" workforce.

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP 2020 emphasizes a shift from rote learning to competency-based education, critical thinking, creativity, and the application of knowledge to real-world problems. The introduction of AI and CT aligns directly with this vision by fostering problem-solving, logical reasoning, and responsible innovation from an early age.
• National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023: The NCF-SE 2023 provides the structural roadmap for implementing the NEP. The AI and CT curriculum will be developed and integrated under the broad ambit of this framework, ensuring it is flexible, inclusive, and contextually relevant to India's diverse educational landscape. The initiative reinforces the concept of "AI for Public Good", emphasizing the ethical and socially responsible use of technology to solve complex, real-world challenges.

(b) Curriculum Development and "The World Around Us" (TWAU) Concept

To develop an inclusive and effective curriculum, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has constituted an expert committee.

• Expert Committee Lead: The committee responsible for shaping the AI and CT curriculum is chaired by Professor Karthik Raman of IIT Madras (Department of Data Science and AI).
• Core Guiding Concept: "The World Around Us" (TWAU): A key directive for the curriculum is to link AI and CT learning to "The World Around Us" (TWAU).
• TWAU is a multidisciplinary course introduced in the foundational stage of schooling by NCF-SE 2023, which encourages students to explore their natural, social, and cultural environments.
• Linking AI/CT to TWAU means the concepts won't be taught in isolation but will be organically embedded into relatable, real-world contexts, such as environment, health, and community life. This approach makes the technology socially relevant and makes learning more hands-on and practical.

(C) Implementation Roadmap and Support

Successful implementation hinges on thorough preparation and coordination between national educational bodies:

• Collaborating Institutions: The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L) is working closely with the CBSE, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), alongside states and Union Territories. A Coordination Committee between NCERT and CBSE will ensure seamless quality assurance and integration.
• Teacher Preparedness: A central pillar of the initiative is teacher training. Professional development will be conducted through the NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement) framework, supported by video-based resources and handbooks. These materials are targeted for completion by December 2025.
• Phased Rollout: The curriculum is designed for a gradual rollout, starting with AI literacy (basic concepts and ethics) in lower classes (3-5), progressing to applied understanding in middle school (6-8), and advancing to technical skills (like coding and data analysis) in higher secondary classes (9-12).