Punjab govt introduces AI as mainstream subject from Class I to XII
Chandigarh, July 22
Punjab on Wednesday introduced artificial intelligence as a mainstream subject from Class I to XII.
The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will roll out the curriculum in a phased manner under the 'Sarbat.AI' project, said School Education Minister Harjot Bains.
Accompanied by former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, Bains launched the project in the presence of education experts, technology partners and senior officials of the School Education Department.
Addressing the gathering, Bains said Punjab has become the first state in India to introduce AI as a mainstream subject from Class I to XII. "We are moving from leading the Green Revolution to leading the artificial intelligence revolution," he remarked.
He said the initiative will equip students with future‑ready skills while fostering innovation, ethical AI, entrepreneurship and responsible digital citizenship. "We want every child in Punjab to be prepared not only for the jobs of tomorrow but also to become creators and innovators in the technology‑driven world," he added.
The Education Minister said the curriculum has been developed after studying international best practices from Singapore, Finland, the UAE and the US. It has been aligned with UNESCO's Ethical AI Framework to ensure that students learn the responsible, safe and ethical use of AI while meeting global standards.
Explaining the implementation plan, Bains said Phase I will begin with Classes VIII to XII by integrating AI into the computer science curriculum in government and affiliated private schools. Students will learn through live online classes, recorded lectures, project‑based learning, continuous assessments and a dedicated learning management system.
In Phase II, AI education will be expanded to Classes I to VII, ensuring that every child in Punjab receives age‑appropriate AI education from the foundational years.
Addressing the gathering, former Delhi Education Minister Sisodia said the initiative reaffirms the state's commitment to preparing students not merely to use artificial intelligence but to innovate with it, create with it and lead in the technology‑driven future.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is impressive but I'm skeptical about implementation. Our schools already struggle with basic computer education. How will rural schools in Punjab manage AI labs? Also, please tell me they're not just buying expensive software from foreign companies—we need indigenous solutions. 🙏
Great move by Punjab government! Learning from Singapore and Finland is smart. My daughter is in Class IX and she's already doing basic coding—this will take her skills to the next level. Just hope the ethical AI framework is implemented properly; we need responsible citizens, not just tech wizards.
As someone working in tech in Bangalore, this is a game-changer. Punjab is setting a benchmark for other states. But I worry about the digital divide—what about students who don't have internet at home? The government must also invest in offline learning resources. 👏
Love the vision! But I can't help thinking—why is Manish Sisodia involved? He's from Delhi, not Punjab. Is this a political move or genuine education reform? Anyway, if it benefits our children, I'm all for it. Let's hope the phased implementation goes smoothly.
As a teacher, I appreciate this focus on future skills. But where's the teacher training? We can't just drop AI curriculum without upskilling educators. Also, Class I kids learning AI? How exactly will that work? Hope they've consulted child development experts.
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