CBSE Drops Compulsory AI and Computational Thinking Modules for Class 9: What Changes for Students?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has removed compulsory modules on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the curriculum of students currently studying in Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic session. The board has also excluded the interdisciplinary subject 'Individuals in Society' from Class 9 and Environmental Education from Class 10 for the same batch in 2027-28.

The decision was announced through Circular No. Acad-70/2026, dated October 29, 2026, and applies specifically to students currently in Class 9 who will progress to Class 10 next academic year. Students already studying in Class 10 during 2026-27 will continue under the existing scheme. According to CBSE, the changes have been made to align the introduction of these interdisciplinary curricular areas with their implementation schedule. The decision comes at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of education, employment and everyday life, raising questions about how schools should prepare students for a technology-driven future.

CBSE Class 9 Curriculum 2026-27: Which Subjects Have Been Removed?

Under the revised scheme, three curricular components will not be included for the affected batch:

• Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence: The compulsory CT and AI modules will not be taught in Class 9 during 2026-27.
• Individuals in Society: The proposed interdisciplinary subject has also been excluded from Class 9.
• Environmental Education: Students from the same batch will not have this subject in Class 10 during 2027-28.

The revised structure retains nine compulsory curricular areas, including three languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Art Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and Vocational Education. Students can also choose an additional optional subject from the options notified by the board.

Why Did CBSE Withdraw the AI and Computational Thinking Modules?

The timeline of events surrounding the decision raises important questions about curriculum planning and implementation. On April 9, 2026, CBSE issued Circular No. Acad-18/2026, outlining its approach to Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence education. The board stated that NCERT would provide CT and AI learning modules for Classes 9 to 12 during the 2026-27 academic session, which schools would transact as modules for internal assessment.

The initiative was aligned with the broader objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. On October 23, NCERT released an introductory 20-hour CT and AI module for students in Classes 9 to 12. The resource was designed to introduce students to artificial intelligence through activity-based learning, practical exercises and discussions. However, just six days later, on October 29, CBSE announced that the compulsory CT and AI modules would not be part of the current Class 9 curriculum.

The board's circular cited alignment with the implementation schedule as the reason for the exclusions. It did not specify when these curricular components would be introduced for subsequent batches. The sequence raises questions about coordination between curriculum planning and implementation. While the official circular does not identify a specific resource or administrative problem, the timing highlights the challenges of introducing new academic requirements without sufficient clarity about their rollout.

Is Artificial Intelligence Completely Removed From the CBSE Curriculum?

No. The decision does not mean that CBSE has discontinued artificial intelligence education altogether. AI remains available as one of the vocational skill subjects offered by the board. Students can choose between Kaushal Vikas and one of the 22 skill subjects notified by CBSE to fulfil the compulsory vocational education requirement.

The available skill subjects include Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Retail, Healthcare, Tourism, Data Science, Agriculture, Banking and Insurance, and Design Thinking and Innovation. Students choosing Kaushal Vikas will undergo school-based internal assessment, while those selecting a notified skill subject will appear for its board examination in Class 10. However, there is an important distinction between the two learning pathways.

The compulsory CT and AI modules were intended to provide broader exposure to computational thinking, artificial intelligence and responsible technology use. The vocational AI subject offers a separate, subject-based learning pathway. As a result, AI education remains an option, but universal exposure through the proposed compulsory modules will not apply to the current batch.

What Does the Decision Mean for Students?

The immediate impact is a revision of academic requirements for the affected Class 9 batch. Students will no longer have to complete the three excluded curricular components. This provides greater clarity about the subjects they are expected to study as they prepare for Class 10. The decision may also reduce confusion among schools that were preparing to implement the additional curricular areas. However, removing compulsory AI modules means that students will not receive the planned common introduction to computational thinking and artificial intelligence through this particular curriculum.

This distinction matters because technological literacy is increasingly relevant across professions, including healthcare, banking, journalism, education and business. Without a common foundation, access to AI education may depend more heavily on individual subject choices and the resources available at students' schools.

AI Education and NEP 2020: A Question of Implementation

The decision also brings attention to a broader challenge in India's education system: translating policy objectives into classroom learning. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, multidisciplinary education and the integration of emerging technologies into school education. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 further supports the development of computational thinking and technology-related competencies.

CBSE's earlier initiative to introduce CT and AI modules was consistent with these objectives. However, effective AI education requires more than adding a subject to the timetable. Schools need trained teachers, structured learning resources, appropriate assessment methods and adequate classroom time.

It is equally important that AI education goes beyond teaching students how to operate applications such as ChatGPT or other AI tools. Students need to understand how algorithms work, how data influences automated decisions, and why issues such as misinformation, privacy, bias and digital safety matter.

NCERT's introductory module addressed several of these concerns through its focus on responsible AI use, data privacy and critical verification of AI-generated information. The withdrawal of the compulsory modules.