The CBSE’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum has seen a remarkable surge in student enrolments. According to data shared by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Education during the Winter session of Lok Sabha, approximately 7,90,999 students from 4,538 schools have enrolled in AI courses at the secondary level (Class IX and X combined) for the 2024-25 academic session, reports TNN. Additionally, about 50,343 students (Class XI and XII combined) from 944 schools have opted for AI as a subject at the senior secondary level.
The Union Minister of State emphasised that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 supports the integration of 21st-century skills, including AI and Machine Learning, into school curricula to prepare students for future challenges.
Introduced in 2019, CBSE’s AI curriculum aims to foster an understanding of AI and its applications in everyday life. Starting as a foundational module in Class VIII, it evolves into a more detailed skill subject for Classes IX to XII.
Understanding CBSE’s AI curriculum
The AI syllabus across four years reflects a gradual progression from basic concepts to advanced projects, incorporating theoretical and practical learning. Here’s an overview of what students are expected to learn in the four years:
In Class IX, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI through modules designed to excite curiosity and explore its ethical dimensions. They begin by understanding the purpose and possibilities of AI, supplemented by an introduction to neural networks through gamified learning. The curriculum also emphasises practical skills through Python programming, laying a foundation for computational thinking. Additionally, the inclusion of projects tied to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) fosters a socially conscious application of AI.
In Class X, the syllabus builds on the basics with a more focussed exploration of AI project cycles. Students delve into data science, learning about data acquisition and visualisation, as well as computer vision and natural language processing (NLP). Advanced Python programming becomes a central tool for hands-on learning.
For Class XI, the curriculum shifts towards deeper technical and conceptual understanding. It introduces students to AI applications and methodologies, ethical decision-making, and storytelling with data. The syllabus integrates mathematical foundations for AI, critical thinking, and clustering techniques. This year particularly stands out for its inclusion of regression analysis and a stronger focus on bias awareness, preparing students to approach AI with an ethical and analytical mindset.
In Class XII, students undertake a comprehensive capstone project, enabling them to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. They learn about the AI model lifecycle and the art of storytelling through data, skills crucial for effectively communicating AI-driven insights.
How beneficial is CBSE’s AI course?
The CBSE’s focus on skill-based AI education raises critical questions about its efficacy in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical expertise. In a world increasingly driven by technology, the inclusion of AI in school curricula positions students to adapt to advancements. However, the effectiveness of this initiative depends on the comprehensiveness of the syllabus, the availability of resources, and teacher training.