In a landmark move to prepare students for the digital economy, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be introduced into the school curriculum for all students from Class 3 onwards, beginning from the 2026-27 academic year. According to ministry officials, a comprehensive framework for AI integration across grades is being developed to ensure that both students and teachers are equipped to handle the growing influence of AI in education and future careers.
AI in Education: A Major Policy Reform
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is leading the initiative by developing the AI integration framework for schools nationwide. The objective is to ensure that AI literacy becomes a foundational component of school education.
“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,” said School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar.
He further explained that a pilot project is already underway where teachers are being trained to use AI tools for preparing lesson plans and teaching resources. “Our objective is to prepare both the learner and the teacher for the digital economy,” Kumar added.
Current Status of AI in Schools
Currently, over 18,000 CBSE-affiliated schools already offer Artificial Intelligence as a skill subject from Class 6 onwards, through a 15-hour introductory module. For Classes 9 to 12, AI is offered as an optional subject, with many schools incorporating hands-on learning through AI labs and coding activities.
However, with the new reforms, the MoE aims to make AI education universal, starting as early as Class 3, to ensure early exposure and skill-building among students.
AI and Employment: Insights from NITI Aayog
The announcement coincides with the release of a NITI Aayog report on AI and Jobs, which highlights the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in India’s workforce. The report estimates that while around two million traditional jobs may be displaced due to automation, over eight million new AI-driven roles could emerge — provided that India creates a robust ecosystem of training, infrastructure, and innovation.
The report calls for strong collaboration between the India AI Talent Mission and the ongoing India AI Mission, urging partnerships between academia, government, and industry to build the next generation of AI researchers and innovators.
Preparing India’s Workforce for the AI Economy
The Ministry’s push for AI education in schools aligns with India’s larger vision of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence. By introducing AI concepts early, students will gain essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, data literacy, and ethical AI usage — preparing them for the future job market.
Experts believe that integrating AI from the foundational level will empower Indian students to not only adapt to global technological shifts but also lead innovation in AI research and development.
The introduction of Artificial Intelligence in the school curriculum from Class 3 onwards marks a pivotal step in India’s education reform. The Ministry of Education and CBSE’s initiative will ensure that both teachers and students are ready to thrive in an AI-driven world. With policy alignment, teacher training, and industry collaboration, India is poised to become a global hub of AI talent and innovation.
