NCERT Introduces AI Curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 in Indian Schools

AI Textbooks Development by NCERT

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is set to create textbooks focused on artificial intelligence for students in classes 11 and 12. The Ministry of Education has announced that NCERT will also incorporate a project utilizing AI tools for animations and games in the vocational education textbook for Grade 6.

Students will now have the opportunity to delve into artificial intelligence as part of their curriculum. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that NCERT has established a dedicated team to develop the syllabus and textbooks for AI education targeted at classes 11 and 12. This information was shared in response to a recent inquiry in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the inclusion of AI projects in the Grade 6 vocational education materials.

Implementation Timeline

The government plans to roll out the AI curriculum across all schools starting from Class 3 in the academic year 2026-27, in accordance with the NEP 2020 and NCF SE 2023 guidelines. Official sources indicate that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has developed a syllabus for AI and computational thinking for students from classes 3 to 12. This initiative aims to introduce foundational AI concepts in earlier grades while making advanced computational thinking and AI mandatory for classes 9 and 10.

SOAR Initiative for AI Readiness

The Government of India has initiated a national program named SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), which aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the National Programme on AI (NPAI) Skilling Framework, and the vision for a digitally empowered and inclusive India by 2047.

SOAR aims to improve AI awareness and foundational skills among students in Grades 6 to 12, while also enhancing AI literacy among educators. The Ministry emphasizes that this initiative seeks to close the digital gap by providing equitable access to AI education across various regions, thereby supporting the national agenda for inclusive and future-ready skill development.

SOAR Curriculum Overview

The SOAR curriculum consists of four progressive modules aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). For students in Grades 6 to 12, three unique micro-credentials are available: (i) AI to be Aware, (ii) AI to Acquire, and (iii) AI to Aspire, each lasting 15 hours, culminating in a total of 45 hours of instruction.