Computational Thinking Skills in All Subjects, Basic Concepts of Artificial Intelligence: What Curriculum Project Do CBSE Students Have in Mind | Education News

The draft curriculum, which has been submitted to NCERT for review, provides a structure for schools to introduce computational thinking and artificial intelligence in a gradual and progressive manner from Class 3 to 12.

The curriculum is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for the introduction of “contemporary” subjects such as artificial intelligence, design thinking and holistic health in the curriculum.

For grades 3 to 5, the curriculum recommends integrating computational thinking – which is currently part of the school’s mathematics curriculum – into all subjects such as language, and ‘the world around us’, which includes components of environmental studies, science and social sciences, sources said. For these classes, computational thinking assessments will be linked to core topics students are learning, such as mathematics, they added.

A similar approach is recommended for Years 6 to 8, where the curriculum proposes to integrate computational thinking into all subjects. At this stage, students are also likely to learn about the basic concepts of artificial intelligence, sources said. From Year 6 onwards, the curriculum suggests assessments such as projects, presentations, assignments and reflective journals.

The curriculum from third to eighth grade creates a framework for students to learn how artificial intelligence works through supplementary materials such as manuals and worksheets, official sources said.

For younger grades, initially for grades 3-6, the curriculum will likely be implemented starting in the 2026-27 school year. But this has not been finalized yet.

CBSE schools maintain flexibility in terms of the subjects they teach and the materials they use in younger classes. Compulsory subjects are specified for the Council’s classes.

For grades 9 and 10, advanced computational thinking and intermediate artificial intelligence are to be offered as compulsory subjects for students. This is likely to be implemented from the 2027-28 academic session, sources said, adding that this is the stage where programming elements are likely to be introduced. A separate textbook for the subject is being considered for these classes, while CBSE is yet to take a decision on whether the assessments are likely to be internal or included in the board examination.

In Years 11 and 12, the basic concepts and skills of artificial intelligence and machine learning will be offered as electives, allowing students interested in the subject to pursue it.

For computational thinking and artificial intelligence, the draft curriculum proposes 50 hours and 125 hours of study for grades 3 to 5 and 6 to 12, respectively.

CBSE is working on teaching materials for the subject, which are expected to be ready in December, and teacher training is likely to begin after that. For grades 3 to 5, teachers of mathematics and other subjects are more likely to teach the computational thinking curriculum, and for grades 6 to 8, teachers are more likely to collaborate across disciplines. For grades 9-12, computer science teachers will be involved.

Through the curriculum, CBSE aims to help students approach and solve problems systematically, find patterns, apply technology to solve problems, and inculcate aspects of ethical use of technology.

CBSE currently offers Artificial Intelligence as a 15-hour skills module from Class 6 onwards. It is also offered as an optional skill subject for students in grades 9-12.

Last month, the Education Ministry announced that AI will be introduced in school curriculum from Class III in the 2026-27 academic session, adding that CBSE has formed an expert committee to develop curriculum for AI and computational thinking.