The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L) under the Ministry of Education has announced a groundbreaking initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking (AI & CT) into school curricula starting from Grade 3.
This move aims to equip young students with essential skills for the future, treating AI education as a fundamental universal competency linked to everyday life and the world around us.
The curriculum, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, will be introduced in the academic session 2026–27. It emphasizes ethical AI use for public good, embedding the technology organically from the foundational stage to foster innovative thinking and problem-solving.
A stakeholder consultation held on October 29, 2025, brought together key institutions such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), along with external experts. CBSE has formed an expert committee chaired by Prof. Karthik Raman from IIT Madras to spearhead the curriculum development.
During the consultation, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of DoSE&L, stressed the importance of AI as a basic skill connected to “The World Around Us” (TWAU). “The curriculum must be broad-based, inclusive, and aligned with NCF SE 2023, prioritizing every child’s distinct potential,” he said. He added that policymakers’ role is to define a minimum threshold and adapt it to evolving needs, while incorporating international perspectives tailored to India’s context.
Shri Kumar also highlighted the critical role of teacher training and resources, including NISHTHA modules and video-based learning materials. A Coordination Committee between NCERT and CBSE will ensure seamless integration and quality assurance.
Smt. Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary (I&T), wrapped up the session by underscoring the need to meet timelines for curriculum rollout.
The initiative includes developing resource materials, handbooks, and digital resources by December 2025, with grade-specific, time-bound teacher training programs. This step supports institutions across states and union territories in creating an inclusive educational framework through consultative processes.
This development marks a significant stride towards future-ready education, reinforcing learning, thinking, and teaching paradigms while addressing complex societal challenges through AI.
