CBSE plans to introduce AI as a compulsory subject in Class 8, 9, 10

For the next academic session, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has planned to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a compulsory subject in school Syllabus with an aim to make students well-versed in technologies shaping the future for its 20,299 schools in India and 220 schools in 25 other countries those are affiliated to it.

A member of the board’s governing body told media, “The decision to include artificial intelligence as a skill subject was made at a recent convention of the board’s governing body. There it was decided that the subject would be introduced in 8th, 9th and 10th classes as a skill subject”.

Artificial intelligence is the ability of a machine to think, learn and perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition and decision-making skills. Capabilities demonstrated by machines, including computers, from playing chess to operating cars and beyond, fall within the domain of artificial intelligence.

With technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics and big data making a huge impact globally, it is important that the board modernises its curriculum to stay abreast of the latest developments, the governing body member said.

“Syllabus for the new subject would be drafted for all the three classes. If required, the board will also help in the capacity building of schools for the teaching-learning of the new subject from the next academic session,” the member said.

As per sources, a senior CBSE official confirmed the news saying that artificial intelligence would be one of the elective subjects on the vocational side. He also said the idea of bringing in artificial Intelligence as a school subject evolved from a conference held at NITI Aayog, following which the board started exploring the concept.

The official said, “CBSE held discussions with stakeholders, which included a school that was already teaching this subject. Accordingly, after comprehensive deliberations, the board also decided to introduce AI as an elective subject”.

“The board held consultations with stakeholders, including with a school that was already teaching the subject. Consequently, after comprehensive discussions, the board has decided to include artificial intelligence as an optional subject,” the official said.

In another significant decision, the CBSE has decided to use two sets of question papers, one easy and one standard, to test the ability of class 10 students in mathematics from the next academic session.

“The board will provide the students a choice to opt for easier or the more testing question paper. Students who do not wish to take up maths in higher studies can opt for the easier test. However, they too have the option of choosing applied mathematics as a subject in classes 11 and 12,” the official cited above.

In case a student who has opted for the easier test later decides to opt for the standard one, he or she will be allowed to do so in July, the official said, adding the board will soon release a detailed circular on the proposal.