In a landmark step toward future-ready education, India’s Ministry of Education has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) will become part of the school curriculum from Class 3 onward starting with the 2026–27 academic session. This forward-thinking move aims to prepare students for a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.

Aligning with National Education Policy 2020

The initiative, led by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), aligns closely with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. It reflects India’s growing commitment to integrating digital literacy, coding, and AI awareness from an early age.

To ensure comprehensive development, the Department is collaborating with CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and state education boards across the country. Together, these organizations aim to design an inclusive and practical AI curriculum that balances innovation with accessibility for students of all backgrounds.

Expert Committee and Implementation Roadmap

A stakeholder consultation was held on October 29, 2025, featuring top education leaders and experts from CBSE, NCERT, and IITs. The Central Board of Secondary Education has also formed an expert committee headed by Prof. Karthik Raman of IIT Madras to develop the AI and CT framework for schools.

During the consultation, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of DoSE&L, emphasized that AI education should be viewed as a “universal skill” directly connected to understanding The World Around Us (TWAU). He underscored that every child’s unique potential must be nurtured, with policymakers responsible for setting adaptable learning standards as technology evolves.

Teacher Training and Future Outlook

Successful implementation will depend heavily on teacher training and resource development. Programs such as NISHTHA and new video-based learning tools will help educators gain the confidence and skills required to teach AI and CT effectively. A dedicated Coordination Committee between NCERT and CBSE will ensure the process remains consistent, efficient, and high in quality.

Meanwhile, Smt. Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary (I&T), emphasized the importance of meeting the set timelines for curriculum rollout. She highlighted that cross-national educational insights are valuable, but India’s approach must remain tailored to its unique academic ecosystem and learner diversity.

This historic curriculum reform marks a major step toward integrating AI literacy in Indian schools, empowering students to think analytically, solve real-world problems, and thrive in the digital economy.