NCERT begins work on AI textbooks for senior classes

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has constituted a dedicated textbook development team to design syllabi and textbooks on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Classes 11 and 12, the Ministry of Education has informed the Parliament. The move marks a significant step towards integrating advanced technology education into the senior secondary curriculum in line with national education reforms.  

As part of this broader initiative, NCERT has also introduced a project on animation and games in the vocational education textbook for Class 6. This project incorporates the use of AI tools, enabling younger students to gain early exposure to emerging technologies through hands-on learning experiences.

The initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, both of which emphasise the importance of Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking (AI & CT) as essential skills for future-ready learners. The Ministry of Education has consistently reiterated its commitment to embedding these competencies across school education.

According to the government, AI education will be introduced in all schools from Class 3 onwards beginning in the academic session 2026–27. This phased rollout aims to build foundational understanding at the primary level and progressively advance students’ skills as they move to higher classes.

In a parallel development, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has drafted an AI and computational thinking curriculum for Classes 3 to 12. The proposed framework introduces basic AI concepts in the early grades and envisages advanced computational thinking and AI as compulsory subjects for Classes 9 and 10.

Further strengthening the national push for AI literacy, the government has launched the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative. Targeted at students of Classes 6 to 12 and educators, SOAR focuses on building AI awareness, foundational competencies, and equitable access to AI education across regions. The programme offers three progressive micro-credentials, AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire, amounting to 45 hours of structured learning aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework.