CHANDIGARH, July 22:
Punjab has become the first state in India to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a mainstream subject from Class I to Class XII, marking a historic step towards transforming school education and preparing students for a technology-driven future.
The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will implement the AI curriculum in phases under the ‘Sarbat.AI’ initiative, making it one of the country’s largest statewide AI education programmes. The project aims to equip students with future-ready skills while positioning Punjab as a national leader in AI-powered learning.
The project was officially launched by Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains in the presence of former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, education experts, technology partners, and senior officials of the School Education Department.
Speaking at the launch, Harjot Singh Bains described the initiative as the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s education system.
“Punjab has moved from leading the Green Revolution to leading the Artificial Intelligence Revolution. We want every student to gain the skills required for tomorrow’s world and become innovators, entrepreneurs and responsible digital citizens,” he said.
The Minister also announced that AI has now become a core subject in every PSEB school, ensuring equal learning opportunities for students in both rural and urban areas.
Phased Implementation
The AI curriculum will be introduced in two phases:
- Phase I: AI will be integrated into the Computer Science curriculum for Classes VIII to XII 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 (LMS).
- Phase II: AI education will be extended to Classes I to VII, providing age-appropriate AI learning from the foundational stage.
Based on Global Standards
According to the Education Minister, the curriculum has been developed after studying international education models from Singapore, Finland, the UAE, and the United States. It also follows UNESCO’s Ethical AI Framework, ensuring students learn the safe, responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence.
Massive Statewide Coverage
The Sarbat.AI programme is expected to benefit:
- 25,172 schools
- 31.5 lakh students
- 12,424 Computer Science teachers during the first phase
- More than 2 lakh teachers from different subjects will gradually receive AI training to integrate technology into classroom teaching.
The initiative builds on the success of PSEB’s AI pilot programme conducted in collaboration with FA-AI, which concluded with a statewide AI Hackathon showcasing innovative student projects.
Industry Collaboration
The programme will be implemented with technological support from Neeev AI and strategic partnerships with Google, Intel, Canva, and FA-AI to strengthen AI literacy, teacher training, innovation and workforce readiness.
Punjab Setting National Benchmark
Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab is now leading India in AI education, joining countries such as China and South Korea, where AI has already become part of school education.
He added that Punjab has already strengthened its schools with computers, smart panels and modern infrastructure, enabling effective implementation of AI education across the state.
“Punjab was once known as the country’s breadbasket. Now it is preparing to become a global hub for future talent,” the Minister said.
Manish Sisodia Praises Initiative
Former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia hailed the project as a landmark achievement, saying Punjab has set a national benchmark in AI education.
He said the initiative would empower students not only to use Artificial Intelligence but also to innovate, create and lead in the emerging technology-driven economy.
During the event, Sisodia also highlighted the importance of technology-based reforms to strengthen examination integrity and prevent paper leaks.
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AI Now Part of Core Curriculum
PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh said Artificial Intelligence has officially been integrated into Punjab’s compulsory Computer Science curriculum.
He added that students’ AI learning outcomes will now be reflected in their board certificates.
“The question is no longer whether AI will shape education, but how we prepare students to use it responsibly and effectively,” he said.
The launch also featured a panel discussion with representatives from Neeev AI, Intel, Google, Amazon Web Services, Canva and FA-AI, who discussed strategies for strengthening AI education, innovation and examination reforms in Punjab.
Senior School Education Department officials, including Director School Education (Senior Secondary) S.S. Bal and Director SCERT Kiran Sharma, were also present at the event.
