CBSE students to learn AI and computational thinking from Class 3

The Central Board of Secondary Education has launched a new curriculum on Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence for Classes 3 to 8, bringing structured AI learning into schools from the 2026-27 session.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the framework at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, calling it a transformative step towards future-ready education.

The new curriculum is meant to give young students early exposure to emerging technologies in a planned and systematic way. It will be supported by structured learning modules, detailed teacher handbooks and student assessment tools so that the subject can be introduced with clarity from the beginning.

At the launch, the minister said the initiative was closely linked to the idea of "AI for Education, AI in Education".

He said the curriculum would help children develop



critical thinking, a design-based approach and a stronger culture of innovation. He also said it would help students engage meaningfully with the digital future as India’s role in technology continues to grow.

The curriculum is designed to build AI-readiness through computational thinking. That means students will learn skills such as logical thinking, problem-solving, pattern recognition and the ability to understand how AI is used in daily life.

The framework aims to create AI-ready learners who can work with technology responsibly rather than simply consume it. It also seeks to strengthen digital literacy while encouraging ethical decision-making and innovation.

Officials said the curriculum is not only about learning a new subject. It is about preparing children for a world where technology will shape work, learning and communication in new ways.