Karnataka Introduces AI Curriculum for Class 9 in 1,800 Government Schools

The Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum for Class 9 students in 1,800 government high schools across the state for the 2026–27 academic year.

The initiative has been launched under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) to familiarise school students with emerging technologies and equip them with foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence and computer programming.

According to the department's announcement, the programme will cover several important areas of AI, including its basic principles, Python programming, data, computer vision, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and generative AI.The initiative aims to introduce students to practical applications of artificial intelligence at the secondary school level and help them develop technology-related skills at an early stage.

What Will Students Learn Under Karnataka's AI Curriculum?

The Class 9 AI curriculum will cover six major areas to provide students with an understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications.

The key subjects include:

1. AI Fundamentals: Introduction to artificial intelligence, its basic concepts and applications in everyday life.
2. Python Programming: Understanding the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language in AI and software development.
3. Data: Learning how data is collected, processed and analysed to support AI-based applications.
4. Computer Vision: Understanding how computers analyse and interpret images and visual information.
5. Natural Language Processing (NLP): Exploring how computers understand, interpret and process human language.
6. Generative AI: Introduction to AI systems that can generate new content, including text and other forms of digital material.

Through these subjects, students will gain exposure to the technologies increasingly being used across education, healthcare, business and other sectors.

Guest Teachers to Conduct AI Classes

To implement the new curriculum, the Karnataka School Education Department has initiated the recruitment of guest teachers for participating government schools.

These teachers will be responsible for delivering lessons based on the prescribed AI syllabus. Their responsibilities will also include maintaining student enrolment records, monitoring daily attendance and conducting academic assessments.The recruitment initiative is intended to support the effective implementation of AI education across the selected schools.

AI Education Under the NSQF Framework

The introduction of artificial intelligence as a vocational subject is part of Karnataka's broader effort to strengthen skill-based education in government schools.The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) promotes vocational learning alongside regular academic education. It aims to develop practical competencies and prepare students for further education and employment opportunities.

Under Karnataka's existing NSQF framework, students in Classes 9 and 10 who opt for an approved vocational subject can be exempted from studying the third language.With the introduction of AI education, the state is seeking to provide students with early exposure to technology-driven learning and emerging career opportunities.The programme also reflects the growing importance of digital literacy, programming and artificial intelligence skills in the modern education system.