The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) plan to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) for primary school children. This new way of learning will begin from the 2026-27 academic year. The Ministry of Education (MoE) wants AI and CT to be an important part of every school subject, rather than taught as separate topics.
Currently, CBSE has updated its school curriculum, and NCERT is reviewing these changes. The goal is to make learning about AI and CT fun and engaging for young students, starting from Class 3 . Instead of teaching difficult computer coding directly, children will learn through activities and games. This method is called a "playway" approach.
Key Details of the New Learning Plan
| Who is planning this? | CBSE and NCERT with Ministry of Education (MoE) |
| What will be taught? | Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) |
| When will it start? | From the 2026-27 academic year |
| Which classes? | Primary school children, starting from Class 3 |
| How will it be taught? | Through activities, games, and "playway" methods; not direct coding |
| Why is this being done? | To build basic skills like problem-solving and logical thinking |
The "playway" method focuses on learning by doing. For example, children might use simple puzzles or board games to understand how a computer solves problems step-by-step. They will learn the ideas of AI and CT without even realizing it. This hands-on approach is already a successful teaching model in many developed countries around the world.
This initiative aims to help students develop "computational thinking." This skill means thinking like a computer scientist: breaking down big problems into smaller parts, looking for patterns, making step-by-step plans (algorithms), and checking if solutions work. It is considered a basic and universal skill for everyone. These simple ideas will be woven into existing subjects like language, mathematics, and environmental studies, making them more interesting and relevant.
Preparing Teachers for the Change
To ensure teachers are ready for this new curriculum, the Ministry of Education will provide special training. This training will use modules from the National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement ( NISHTHA ). Along with these modules, teachers will also get video-based learning materials to help them understand and implement the new ideas in their classrooms effectively.
The training will focus on helping teachers understand the philosophy and logic behind computational thinking using "unplugged" methods. Unplugged methods mean teaching computer science concepts without using computers. For instance, teachers might use cards or physical objects to show how information is sorted or processed.
Challenges Ahead
Introducing AI and CT in schools on such a large scale comes with challenges. Many educators feel that a single training module for teachers might not be enough. Teachers need to be very well prepared to teach AI and CT alongside their regular subjects, which already have a full syllabus.
The biggest challenge will be ensuring teachers are confident and skilled enough. They will need regular workshops, continuous training, and opportunities to learn from other teachers (peer learning). Teachers also need to become good at using digital tools and new AI-supported platforms. Giving them the right technical skills is a major task.
Testing the New Curriculum
To test the new curriculum, its teaching tools, and how ready teachers are, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has already set up special AI labs in some of its schools. These schools are located in different parts of the country. This pilot program helps find out what works best and what needs improvement before the curriculum is rolled out everywhere. Soon, these AI and CT learning methods will be introduced in all CBSE schools.
