The Ministry of Education has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) will become part of India’s school curriculum from Class 3 onwards, starting with the 2026–27 academic year.
The move aims to prepare students for a technology-driven future and is one of the earliest global efforts to introduce AI education at the foundational level.
The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L) called it a key reform to align the education system with modern learning needs. The department is working with CBSE, NCERT, KVS, NVS, and state and Union Territory education boards to create an inclusive curriculum through a consultative process.
At a stakeholder meeting held on October 29, 2025, CBSE announced an expert committee chaired by Professor Karthik Raman of IIT Madras to develop the curriculum. It will align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar said AI education should be treated as a “basic universal skill.” He added that teacher training and learning material development will be central to the rollout, supported by NISHTHA’s training modules and digital resources.
By December 2025, the ministry plans to have textbooks, handbooks, and digital content ready. Teacher training will follow, ensuring that educators can teach both theory and practical applications of AI and CT effectively.
Officials said the curriculum will go beyond technical skills to promote ethical AI use, critical thinking, and creativity among students. The initiative supports the government’s vision of “AI for Public Good” and is expected to make India a leader among developing nations in early AI education.