CBSE introduces coding, AI and skill-based learning

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued new guidelines to strengthen skill education for students of Classes 6 to 8, marking a significant step towards future-ready learning. From the upcoming academic session, CBSE-affiliated schools will integrate subjects such as coding, artificial intelligence (AI), design thinking, digital citizenship, and other essential digital skills into the middle school curriculum.

The revised framework aims to move beyond rote learning and encourage hands-on, experiential, and project-based education. By introducing these skills at an early stage, CBSE seeks to build a strong foundation in technology, problem-solving, and critical thinking among students, preparing them for emerging career paths in a rapidly evolving digital world.

As part of the implementation, CBSE will organise orientation and training programmes for teachers to ensure effective delivery of the updated curriculum. Educators will be guided to use NCERT’s Skill Bodh activity-based materials, enabling classrooms to become more interactive, practical, and learner-centric. Dedicated skill labs and weekly skill periods have also been recommended to support meaningful learning experiences.

Under the new assessment pattern, skill subjects will be evaluated through projects, practical work and real-life applications rather than traditional written exams. The marks obtained in these assessments may contribute to students’ overall academic performance, reinforcing the importance of skill-based learning alongside core subjects.

The learning focus will progress gradually across classes. In Class 6, students will be introduced to basic coding, computational thinking, design thinking, and responsible digital behaviour through simple hands-on activities. Class 7 will emphasise applied skills, including intermediate coding projects, basic AI concepts, financial literacy, and collaborative problem-solving tasks. By Class 8, students will engage in advanced applications such as AI-based projects, data handling, ethical digital practices, and innovation-focused assignments, culminating in project presentations.

Overall, CBSE recommends a total of 270 hours of practical, project-based learning across Classes 6 to 8, underlining its commitment to nurturing skill-driven, confident, and future-ready learners.