A landmark step toward building an AI-literate generation under NCF 2023
In a historic move that could reshape the future of education in India, the Ministry of Education has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) will become part of the school curriculum from Class 3 onwards. This initiative, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) 2023, positions India among the few nations embedding AI education from the foundational stage.
Reaffirming the Commitment to AI Education
The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), under the Ministry of Education, reaffirmed its dedication to preparing students for the demands of a technology-driven world.
According to the official statement, the Department is supporting institutions such as CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), along with various States and Union Territories, in developing a revamped, inclusive, and meaningful AI-integrated curriculum.
“Education in AI should be treated as a basic universal skill linked to The World Around Us (TWAU),” said Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSE&L.
“Our job as policymakers is to define the minimum threshold and re-evaluate it based on changing needs. Every child’s distinct potential is our priority.”
AI for All: From Early Awareness to Ethical Use
The integration of AI and Computational Thinking into early education aims to nurture creativity, problem-solving, and ethical understanding of emerging technologies. Experts believe that by introducing AI concepts at a young age, India will move closer to the vision of “AI for Public Good.”
This approach is not merely about coding or algorithms — it focuses on how students think, how they learn, and how they use technology responsibly. By Class 3, children will begin to explore basic concepts like pattern recognition, logic, and machine intelligence — paving the way for deeper applications in higher grades.
Experts note that embedding AI learning early helps students understand its real-world applications and develop ethical awareness about technology’s role in society.
Collaborative Effort Across Educational Bodies
A high-level stakeholder consultation was held on October 29, 2025, involving expert bodies such as CBSE, NCERT, KVS, NVS, and external academicians.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has already formed an expert committee chaired by Prof. Karthik Raman from IIT Madras to design the AI and Computational Thinking curriculum.
The consultative process will ensure that the syllabus remains broad-based, inclusive, and globally informed while maintaining contextual relevance to India’s needs.
A Step Toward Future-Ready India
This initiative marks a crucial milestone in India’s educational reform journey. By weaving AI into early learning, the government seeks to equip future generations with digital fluency, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving capabilities that go beyond conventional subjects.
With global economies rapidly shifting toward automation and intelligent systems, this policy underscores India’s ambition to not only consume AI technologies but also create and lead them.
India’s move to introduce Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking from Class 3 signals a transformative leap toward a future-ready education system. By democratizing access to AI literacy and ensuring ethical, inclusive learning pathways, the nation is laying the foundation for a generation that understands — and shapes — the intelligent technologies of tomorrow.