Artificial Intelligence (AI) will soon become a part of the school curriculum from Class 3 onwards, starting with the 2026-27 academic session, according to the Ministry of Education (MoE). The initiative aims to equip young learners with early exposure to digital literacy and computational thinking, marking a major shift in India’s approach to school education.

Currently, over 18,000 CBSE-affiliated schools across India offer AI as a skill subject from Class 6 through a 15-hour foundation module, while Classes 9 to 12 have AI as an optional subject. The decision to bring AI education down to the primary level is part of a broader national push to make Indian students future-ready. I wanted to write about this because it reflects how India’s education system is evolving to match the needs of the digital age — giving students the skills they’ll actually use in higher education and the job market. Understanding this shift also helps parents and educators prepare for what lies ahead.

Early Introduction of AI in Schools

The Ministry of Education’s plan is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates integrating technology and digital tools into the curriculum from the foundational stage. The move to introduce AI from Class 3 reflects the government’s intention to build a generation of students who are comfortable with emerging technologies from an early age.

The new AI module will be designed to encourage conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. It will include lessons on logic, problem-solving, creativity, and digital safety, all presented in an age-appropriate format. The idea is to make AI learning engaging and practical — using games, storytelling, and simple coding exercises.

For younger classes, the module will not focus on complex programming but on developing AI literacy — helping children understand how technology works around them, from voice assistants to recommendation systems.

Expanding on CBSE’s Existing Framework

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has already made notable progress in introducing AI education. Since 2019, AI has been part of the Skill Education Framework, introduced as a subject in Classes 6 to 12.

At present:

• Classes 6–8: AI is offered as a 15-hour introductory course focusing on creativity, ethics, and basic AI principles.
• Classes 9–10: Students can opt for AI as a skill subject, learning about algorithms, data handling, and simple machine learning models.
• Classes 11–12: AI is offered as an elective subject with advanced topics and practical applications.

With the new policy, this structure will expand downward to include primary students, creating a continuous AI learning path from Class 3 to Class 12.

Why AI from Primary Classes Matters

Introducing AI early has several benefits. According to education experts, the early years are crucial for developing critical thinking and curiosity — both of which are essential to understanding technology.

Some key benefits include:

• Building problem-solving skills: Students learn to identify patterns, make predictions, and think logically.
• Promoting digital literacy: Understanding how everyday tools like search engines or digital assistants function demystifies technology.
• Encouraging creativity: AI education often involves activities like designing chatbots or simple games, sparking innovation.
• Preparing students for the future workforce: As industries increasingly rely on automation, AI literacy becomes a vital skill.

Dr. Subhas Sarkar, Minister of State for Education, had earlier said that the goal is to “make students not just technology users but innovators who can create solutions for real-world problems.”

Teacher Training and Resource Development

To make this transition effective, the government plans to roll out teacher training programmes and develop AI-specific learning resources for schools. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and CBSE will jointly prepare teacher handbooks, digital modules, and activity guides tailored for different age groups.

Training teachers is seen as the most critical step in this process. Many educators, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, will need upskilling to confidently teach AI concepts. The Ministry is also expected to collaborate with technology partners and educational organisations to design the curriculum and provide hands-on training to teachers.

In addition, schools will be encouraged to set up AI labs or maker spaces where students can experiment with technology in a guided environment.

Alignment with India’s Tech Vision

This move aligns closely with the Digital India and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions, which aim to make India a global leader in technology and innovation. The Ministry believes that early exposure to AI will create a generation that can not only use AI tools effectively but also develop indigenous solutions for the nation’s needs.

India’s approach mirrors global trends — countries like Singapore, Japan, and the UK have already integrated coding and AI awareness into their primary school curricula. By introducing AI from Class 3, India joins the league of nations investing in AI education as a national priority.

Parents’ and Educators’ Response

While many parents and teachers have welcomed the move, some have raised concerns about digital access and implementation gaps. Schools in rural areas, where infrastructure and internet connectivity remain limited, may face challenges in adopting the AI module effectively.

Education experts suggest that the government should adopt a phased approach, ensuring that digital tools, devices, and training reach every school before rolling out the curriculum fully. They also recommend that AI learning should complement, not replace, foundational literacy and numeracy.