Starting with the 2026–27 academic session, India will introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) into school curricula from Class 3 onwards. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Education, aims to build foundational digital literacy, ethical awareness, and future-ready skills among young learners across CBSE, KVS, NVS, and state boards.
Coding Curiosity: India’s Youngest Learners to Explore AI from Class 3
In a landmark move to future-proof education, the Ministry of Education has announced the rollout of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) into the national school curriculum starting from Class 3, effective academic year 2026–27. The initiative is part of the broader National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, designed to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key Highlights of the AI Curriculum Rollout:
Early Exposure to AI Concepts
The curriculum aims to introduce children to the idea that “there is something called AI” and how it’s already shaping everyday life.
Lessons will be integrated with the theme “The World Around Us”, making AI relatable and context-driven.
Collaborative Curriculum Design
The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L) is working with CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and state education departments.
A stakeholder consultation was held in October 2025 to ensure inclusivity and relevance.
Focus on Ethics & Inclusivity
The curriculum will emphasize ethical AI use, digital responsibility, and gender-neutral access to technology.
It aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity from a young age.
Teacher Empowerment & Training
Specialized training modules will be developed to equip teachers with the skills to deliver AI education effectively.
The initiative includes capacity-building workshops and digital teaching aids.
Universal Skill Development
AI and CT are being positioned as foundational universal skills, much like reading and arithmetic.
The goal is to prepare students for a world where AI literacy is as essential as basic computer skills.
This bold step signals India’s commitment to nurturing a generation that’s not just tech-savvy but ethically aware and innovation-ready—starting from the classroom chalkboard to the digital dashboard.
Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, NDTV Education