In a move to prepare students for the future, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education, has announced that a curriculum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) will be introduced in all schools from Class 3 onwards. The initiative aims to equip young learners with essential 21st-century skills and foster responsible and ethical use of technology from an early age.
Aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the new AI and CT curriculum will be implemented from the academic session 2026-27. It seeks to promote the concept of “AI for Public Good” and integrate technology learning with the broader understanding of The World Around Us (TWAU).
A stakeholder consultation on the initiative was held on 29th October 2025, bringing together expert bodies such as CBSE, NCERT, KVS, NVS, and external specialists. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has constituted an expert committee chaired by Prof. Karthik Raman of IIT Madras to develop the curriculum framework.
Speaking at the consultation, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSE&L, said that education in AI must be treated as a basic universal skill rather than a specialized subject. “AI education should be connected to The World Around Us. The curriculum must be inclusive, flexible, and aligned with the NCF-SE 2023. Every child’s distinct potential is our priority,” he said. He also emphasized the need for constant re-evaluation of learning standards to meet evolving technological and societal needs.
Kumar highlighted that teacher training and the development of teaching-learning materials will be central to the success of the initiative. Modules under NISHTHA, along with video-based learning resources, will help prepare teachers for effective classroom implementation. He added that a Coordination Committee between NCERT and CBSE will ensure the smooth integration, structure, and quality assurance of the new curriculum.
He further noted that while international perspectives are valuable, the Indian AI curriculum must be tailored to national needs and priorities.
Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary (I&T), urged all stakeholders to adhere to the development timelines, with resource materials, handbooks, and digital content expected by December 2025.
The initiative marks a transformative step in India’s education system, ensuring that every student develops an early understanding of artificial intelligence and computational thinking – skills that are increasingly shaping the world’s social and economic landscape.