Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash
New Delhi: In a move aimed at preparing students for the future by equipping them with essential technological and problem-solving skills, while also promoting the ethical and inclusive use of AI, the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L) under the Ministry of Education has announced a major initiative to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) into the national school curriculum from Grade 3 onwards, beginning in the academic session 2026-27.
This initiative is being developed under the broad framework of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) 2023, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
DoSE&L is working closely with key national bodies such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and various states and Union Territories to design an inclusive and forward-looking curriculum.
A stakeholder consultation held on October 29 brought together representatives from expert organizations and academia to deliberate on curriculum design, teacher training, and resource development. During the consultation, it was announced that CBSE has set up an expert committee chaired by Prof. Karthik Raman from IIT Madras to develop the AI and CT curriculum. The committee will ensure that the new framework is aligned with NCF SE 2023 and tailored to India’s educational needs.
Speaking at the event, Sanjay Kumar, secretary, DoSE&L, highlighted that AI education should be treated as a “basic universal skill” connected to ‘The World Around Us (TWAU)’. He emphasized that the curriculum must be inclusive, practical and adaptable to the changing technological landscape. “Every child’s distinct potential is our priority. Our role as policymakers is to define the minimum threshold and re-evaluate it based on the evolving needs of learners and society,” he said.
Kumar stressed the importance of teacher training and learning materials as the foundation for successful implementation. The NISHTHA platform will lead the creation of grade-specific, time-bound teacher training modules. Additionally, video-based and digital learning materials will be developed to support both educators and students in understanding and applying AI and CT concepts effectively.
“Introducing AI and Computational Thinking from the early grades is a visionary step,” said Ritu Mehra, a computer science teacher at a school in New Delhi. “It will help students go beyond textbook learning and start thinking creatively about how technology can solve everyday problems. The key will be ensuring that teachers receive the right training to make these concepts accessible and engaging for all learners,” she added.
To ensure coherence and quality, a coordination committee under the NCF SE will be formed, comprising representatives from NCERT and CBSE. This committee will oversee integration, structuring, and quality assurance of AI and CT content across grades. Kumar also pointed out that while global examples are valuable, India’s curriculum should be context-specific, addressing national priorities and local realities.
Concluding the consultation, Prachi Pandey, joint secretary (I&T), urged all stakeholders to adhere to the established timelines for curriculum design, development of resources, and rollout. She reiterated that the goal is to introduce the AI and CT curriculum in schools from the 2026-27 academic session, with preparatory materials and digital content ready by December 2025.
The AI and CT curriculum will encourage analytical thinking, creativity and ethical decision-making among students. It will integrate computational thinking across subjects and emphasize problem-solving through real-life applications. The overarching aim is to nurture a generation that not only understands technology but also uses it responsibly and innovatively.
By embedding AI and CT from the foundational level, the ministry seeks to make “AI for Public Good” a central part of India’s educational vision. The initiative marks a significant step toward transforming school education into a system that is truly future-ready, inclusive, and capable of empowering every learner to thrive in a digital world.
“Students in smaller towns often feel left behind when it comes to new technologies,” remarked Arun Prakash, a middle school teacher from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. “With AI and Computational Thinking becoming part of the curriculum, even children in suburban and rural schools will get early exposure to modern tools. This can bridge the digital divide and open up new opportunities for them in the future,” he added.