AI and Computational Thinking (CT) Curriculum

01.11.2025

AI and Computational Thinking (CT) Curriculum

Context
In October 2025, the Ministry of Education announced that a structured curriculum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) will be introduced in all schools across India from Class 3 onwards, beginning the academic year 2026–27.

About the News
The initiative is part of the broader reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. It aims to make AI and CT foundational disciplines in school education, ensuring that students are prepared for the digital economy and the technological demands of the 21st century.

Objectives:

• To develop logical reasoning, problem-solving, data literacy, and responsible digital behavior among students.
• To promote the idea of “AI for Public Good,” fostering innovation that aligns with social and ethical responsibility.

Key Features:

• Alignment with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023: Focus on flexibility, inclusivity, and contextualized learning.
• Implementation from 2026–27: Phased introduction across all boards and schools in India.
• Teacher Preparedness: Training through NISHTHA modules, video-based tools, and practical demonstrations.
• Integration with “The World Around Us” (TWAU): Linking AI and CT learning to real-world applications and social contexts.

Significance

• Builds early digital literacy and fosters ethical awareness regarding technology use.
• Strengthens India’s capacity to produce a technologically skilled and globally competitive workforce.
• Encourages innovation that combines inclusivity, creativity, and national developmental priorities.

Constitutional and Policy Context

• Anchored in Article 21A (Right to Education) and the NEP 2020 framework, emphasizing equitable access to modern education.
• Reflects the government’s effort to integrate emerging technologies into education for governance, inclusion, and empowerment.

Challenges

• Ensuring equitable access to training and digital infrastructure across rural and urban schools.
• Maintaining a balance between early technology adoption and mental–social well-being of children.
• Training teachers to effectively deliver AI-CT concepts through contextual and ethical pedagogy.

Way Forward

• Capacity Building: Continuous teacher training and digital infrastructure enhancement.
• Curricular Innovation: Focus on problem-based and experiential learning promoting computational thinking from an early age.
• Ethical Sensitization: Encourage responsible technology use and data ethics through school-level programs.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Engage EdTech firms, academic institutions, and AI researchers in curriculum development and resource creation.

Conclusion
The introduction of the AI and Computational Thinking curriculum marks a transformative step in Indian education, aligning with the vision of NEP 2020. It aims to prepare students as responsible, skilled, and ethical digital citizens capable of contributing to sustainable technological progress.