The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students from Classes 3 to 8, marking a shift towards early-stage technology education in schools. The programme was launched by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on April 1 at Vigyan Bhawan, coinciding with the start of the 2026–27 academic session.

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Early Introduction of AI and Computational Thinking

The curriculum aims to build foundational digital literacy, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills among young learners. It introduces structured AI education within the school system, supported by dedicated learning material, teacher handbooks, and assessment frameworks.

For primary classes (3 to 5), computational thinking will be integrated into existing subjects through activity-based learning. At the middle school level (Classes 6 to 8), students will engage with more structured modules that cover basic AI concepts and practical applications.

“The initiative is designed to move beyond rote learning and encourage analytical thinking at an early stage. The rollout is expected to cover thousands of CBSE-affiliated schools across the country,” said officials.

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Policy Push Towards Future-Ready Education

The move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, both of which emphasise digital and emerging technology skills as core competencies.

At the launch, Pradhan said the curriculum marks a step towards “future-ready learning” and introduces AI education at scale within the school ecosystem.

The programme also focuses on responsible use of technology, ethical awareness, and innovation. Education authorities indicated that early exposure to AI and computational thinking is expected to prepare students for evolving workforce requirements and a technology-driven economy.