Education ministry to roll out AI and computational thinking in schools from 2026

India’s school education system is set for a major transformation as the Ministry of Education announced plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) into the national curriculum from Class 3 onwards, starting in the 2026–27 academic year.

According to Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), AI will be treated as a universal foundational skill under the theme “The World Around Us.”

The move aims to make young learners future-ready while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and ethical awareness.

The new curriculum is being developed under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) 2023 in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The DoSE&L is working with CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), along with state and Union Territory education departments.

At a recent stakeholder consultation, academic and industry experts outlined a roadmap for the integration process.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has formed a committee chaired by Professor Karthik Raman of IIT Madras to design the AI and CT curriculum.

Officials emphasized that the initiative goes beyond technical skills, aiming to promote ethical understanding and inclusivity in technology use.

By introducing AI concepts at the foundational level, the government hopes to prepare students to leverage technology for “AI for Public Good” and address real-world challenges responsibly.

“The framework must remain broad-based and inclusive, ensuring it adapts to changing needs while reflecting India’s specific educational context,” said Kumar.

Recognizing teachers as central to the reform, the Ministry has placed strong emphasis on training and capacity building.

Educators will undergo professional development through national programs such as NISHTHA, supported by NCERT-developed video modules and handbooks.

A joint coordination committee between NCERT and CBSE will oversee the integration and maintain quality standards throughout the rollout.

The inclusion of AI and computational thinking from the foundational level marks a major step toward equipping India’s students with essential digital-age skills.

By embedding AI meaningfully into everyday learning, the government aims to create a generation that is technologically adept, socially aware, and capable of using innovation for the greater good.