AI Set To Be Introduced In School Curriculum From Class 3 In 2026-27 Academic Year

A framework is being developed to incorporate AI across all grades, according to officials. (Representative/PTI)

The Ministry of Education plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the school curriculum for all students from Class 3 onwards, starting from the 2026-27 academic year, reported PTI. A framework is being developed to incorporate AI across all grades, according to officials.

School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar stated, “We need to move fast so that students and teachers are properly aligned with this technology over the next two to three years. The challenge will be to reach out to over one crore teachers across the country and orient them in imparting AI-related education. The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) is developing the framework for AI integration across grades.”

Kumar added that the goal is to equip both learners and educators for the digital economy. “A pilot project is already underway for teachers to use AI tools to prepare lesson plans. Our objective is to prepare both the learner and the teacher for the digital economy,” he stated.

Currently, over 18,000 CBSE schools offer AI as a skill subject from Class 6 onwards through a 15-hour module, with it also being available as an optional subject for Classes 9-12.

These comments were made during the release of a NITI Aayog report on AI and jobs, which indicated that around two million traditional jobs might be displaced, but eight million new roles could emerge if the right ecosystem is established.

The report recommended close collaboration between the proposed India AI Talent Mission and the ongoing India AI Mission. It called for partnerships among academia, government, and industry to create an enabling environment with adequate compute infrastructure and data availability to develop skilled talent into future innovators and researchers.

The report emphasised that India’s future in the AI economy depends on decisive action. It noted that with coordinated leadership across government, industry, and academia, India could not only protect its workforce but also lead in shaping the global AI landscape.