Education Ministry Announces A Major Initiative, Children Will Learn Artificial Intelligence From The Third Grade Onwards

The Ministry of Education, taking a historic step towards preparing India's school education system for the future, is going to make Artificial Intelligence a part of the curriculum in schools from the third grade onwards from the academic session of 2026-27. The main objective of this initiative is to prepare students and teachers for the digital economy.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) Course for Children
This new course, named AI and Computational Thinking, will teach children how robots work, how machines think, and how technology can be used to improve society and life. The aim of this course is not only to impart technical knowledge, but also to inculcate in children an understanding of AI use and innovation in ethical and social terms.

When will this course begin?
The AI and Computational Thinking course will be implemented in schools across the country from the 2026-27 academic year. It will begin in grade 3 and then expand to higher grades, with one class added each year. NCERT will prepare textbooks for this course by December 2025, along with video and digital content. Additionally, teacher training has already begun through NISHTHA and other institutions.

Who developed the course?
CBSE, NCERT, KVS, NVS, and state governments are working together to develop this project. Professor Karthik Raman of IIT Madras is leading the curriculum, which is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF SE 2023) and aims to enhance children's thinking and technical skills.
NCERT and CBSE will jointly form a committee to ensure that AI and computational thinking are implemented smoothly and accurately in schools. Teaching AI and computational thinking in schools from the early stages is considered a major game-changer in Indian education.

Why is this step needed?
India's technology sector is rapidly emerging. The AI market size reached $17 billion in 2025 and is expected to surpass $100 billion by 2030. In this context, the Ministry of Education believes that if children learn AI now, they will not only be users of technology but will also become creators and innovators. The

primary objective of incorporating AI into the curriculum from the third grade is to develop every child's ability to think, understand, and make informed decisions in a rapidly changing digital world. This will enable the next generation to become both technologically and socially responsible.