Classes 3 to 8 to study AI and computational thinking now; MoE launches curriculum

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the AI and CT curriculum for Classes 3 to 8 on Wednesday.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) students will now study artificial intelligence and computational thinking curriculum starting from Class 3.

The Ministry of Education, on Wednesday (April 1), officially introduced the artificial intelligence and computational thinking (AI & CT) curriculum for Classes 3 to 8, marking a significant expansion of technology-led learning at the school level.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said this move will formally introduce structured AI education into the school ecosystem, calling it a “transformative step towards future-ready learning”.

“Backed by structured modules, comprehensive teacher handbooks and robust student assessment frameworks, the initiative ensures early and systematic exposure to emerging technologies, laying a strong foundation for the learners of tomorrow,” Pradhan wrote on social media platform X.

The move builds on the Centre’s broader push under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises digital literacy, coding, and 21st-century skills from an early stage. CBSE had earlier introduced artificial intelligence as an elective subject at the secondary level (Classes 9–12), but this marks the first time such concepts are being formally integrated into the foundational and middle school years.

Last year, the CBSE had constituted an expert committee chaired by IIT Madras professor Karthik Raman, and including experts from CBSE, NCERT, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), to develop the AI & CT curriculum.

How will it be implemented?

Starting from the academic year 2026-27, the AI & CT curriculum will be introduced in a phased and structured manner across Classes 3 to 8:

• Curriculum design: Age-appropriate modules will introduce students to basic computational thinking concepts such as pattern recognition, logical reasoning, and problem-solving in the early grades, gradually moving towards foundational AI concepts in higher classes.

• Integration into subjects: Instead of being treated as a standalone subject in lower classes, AI and computational thinking concepts are expected to be woven into existing subjects and classroom activities.

• Teacher training: Dedicated teacher handbooks and training modules have been developed to help educators effectively deliver the curriculum, addressing a key challenge in tech education rollout.

• Assessment framework: A structured evaluation system will be in place to assess conceptual understanding rather than rote learning, focusing on application-based learning.

• Digital and experiential learning: The curriculum emphasises hands-on activities, project-based learning, and use of digital tools to make abstract concepts more accessible to young learners.

Officials indicate that schools affiliated with CBSE will receive guidelines, resource material, and training support to begin implementation from the current academic year, with an emphasis on ensuring uniform adoption across urban and rural institutions.