Lok Sabha Question No. 341 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: AI in New Curriculum
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Smt. Malvika Devi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 341 ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## AI in New Curriculum

## 341. Smt. Malvika Devi:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken by the Government to incorporate new technology such as AI in the new curriculum;

(b) the steps taken/being taken by the Government along with the schemes used to promote latest techniques  and  technology  in  schools  and  colleges  in  backward  and  aspirational  districts  of  the country; and

(c) the details of the steps being taken by the Government to monitor students mental health and the extent to which improving it?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c): The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has emphasized the importance of Artificial Intelligence  (AI)  and  its  role  in  school  curriculum.  Under  'Curricular  Integration  of  Essential Subjects,  Skills,  and  Capacities'  the  policy  mentions  at  para  4.24  that  concerted  curricular  and pedagogical  initiatives,  including  the  introduction  of  contemporary  subjects  such  as  Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking, Holistic Health, Organic Living, Environmental Education, Global Citizenship Education (GCED), etc. at relevant stages will be undertaken to develop these various important skills in students at all levels.

The  Government  of  India  recognizes  the  importance  of  innovative  subjects  and  new  age technologies and, therefore, has advised CBSE and NCERT to develop curriculum and resource material on Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Application, etc. through a graded  and  integrated  approach.  This  initiative  is  in  alignment  with  NEP  2020  and  National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) 2023 and aims to equip students with 21 st century skills like logical reasoning, problem solving, data literacy, etc.

The  National  Council  of  Educational  Research  and  Training  (NCERT)  has  constituted  two committees - one for development of syllabus and textbooks for Computer Science and the other for Foundations and Methods of Artificial Intelligence for Grades 11 and 12 with the membership from Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and relevant Research institutions and Universities at the national and international level.

The existing NCERT textbooks of Computer Science class XI (Chapter 3) (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?kecs1=ps-11)  and  Informatics  Practices  class  XI  (Chapter  2) (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?keip1=ps-8)  talk  about  AI,  Internet  of  Things  (IoT)  and  other emerging  technologies.  NCERT  has  also  included  a  project  on  Animation  and  Games  in  the vocational education textbook for Grade 6. Moreover, NCERT collaborates with EdTech companies and  other  such  organizations  to  strengthen  the  digital  learning  ecosystem  on  DIKSHA  (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing).

Further, CBSE offers a skill module on Artificial Intelligence for classes VI-VIII and an optional skill-based  subject  on  Artificial  Intelligence  for  classes  IX-  XII.  In  addition,  the  board  has introduced AI Inspire- a short (12-hour) introductory program for Class VIII students, designed to build foundational understanding and readiness for Artificial Intelligence. CBSE has collaborated with several organizations such as Intel, IBM, Microsoft, Private Schools, etc. for the curriculum and textbook material of the Subject.

The Government has undertaken multiple initiatives and schemes to promote the adoption of latest techniques and technologies, including AI as follows:

- i. Teacher  Training  and  Capacity  Building:  Implementation  of  large-scale  teacher  training programmes focusing on digital pedagogy, online teaching-learning tools, and exposure to emerging technologies, including AI.
- ii. National Digital Learning Platforms: Deployment of national digital education platforms like DIKSHA, SWAYAM MOOCs, eJaadui Pitara platform providing free and universal access  to  quality  e-content,  virtual  laboratories,  assessments,  and  teacher  professional development resources.

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has taken focused steps to promote the adoption of the latest techniques and technology in schools. These measures include systematic upgradation of ICT laboratories, Saturation of e-Classrooms, establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs to foster innovation and hands-on learning, provision of high-speed internet connectivity of 300 MBPS or more through BSNL  and  creation  of  digital  Library  encourage  experiential  learning,  and  enhance  access  to modern educational technologies for all its students, including those in backward and aspirational districts.

The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), mostly located in rural areas, have established smart classrooms,  along  with  reliable  internet  connectivity  with  each  Navodaya  Vidyalaya  having  a minimum of 40 desktop computers to support Information and Communication Technology (ICT) enabled  education.  The  posts  of  TGT  &  PGT  Computer  Science  have  also  been  sanctioned  for Navodaya Vidyalayas.

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) education at the school level in alignment with the CBSE curriculum for Classes IX to XII. NESTS  is  taking  multiple  steps  to  ensure  AI  literacy,  ethical  use  of  AI,  and  foundational computational thinking among students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). These steps include  integration  of  AI  &  emerging  technologies  as  vocational  subjects  to  strengthen  digital readiness among tribal students.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has enabled interdisciplinary and technology-integrated curricula,  promotion  of  computational  thinking,  digital  literacy  and  data-driven  learning,  and encouragement to Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to introduce AI-related courses, modules and  skill  components.  Accordingly,  UGC  has  notified  Curriculum  and  Credit  Framework  for Undergraduate Programmes and all HEIs have been asked to adopt the framework vide UGC letter dated  12.12.2022.  The  curricular  content  for  UG  programmes  includes  value  added  courses  (6-8 credits).  The  digital  and  technological  solutions  under  value  added  courses  include  courses  in cutting-edge  areas  that  are  fast  gaining  prominences,  such  as  Artificial  Intelligence  (AI),  3-D machining,  big  data  analysis,  machine  learning,  drone  technologies,  and  Deep  learning  with important  applications  to  health,  environment,  and  sustainable  living  that  will  be  woven  into undergraduate education, for enhancing the employability of the youth.

Further,  UGC  has  invited Expressions  of  Interest  (EoI) for  the  development  of Massive  Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for the SWAYAM Platform in 20 courses.

In order to provide Psychosocial Support for Mental Health & Well Being of Students during the COVID Outbreak  and  beyond,  the  Manodarpan  initiative  has  been  launched  by  the  Ministry  of Education. The Manodarpan initiative was launched on July 21, 2020 along with a National Tollfree Helpline (8448440632). A dedicated Manodarpan Cell was set up in the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to carry out the activities of the Manodarpan initiative as envisaged.

A webpage named 'Manodarpan - Psychosocial Support for Mental Health and Well-being during the COVID Outbreak and Beyond' (https://manodarpan.education.gov.in) has been created on the website of the Ministry of Education. The webpage contains advisory, practical tips, posters, videos, do's and don'ts for psycho-social support, and FAQs. A National Toll-free Helpline (8448440632) has  also  been  set  up.  This  unique  helpline  is  manned  by  a  pool  of  experienced  Counselors/ Psychologists  and  other  mental  health  professionals  and  being  continued  beyond  the  COVID-19 situation. Through this helpline, tele-counselling is being provided to the students to address their mental health and psychosocial issues. About 350 experienced counsellors have been enrolled to manage the National Helpline. Webinars and  Live discussion forums are being held regularly in collaboration  with  CIET-NCERT  on  PM  eVIDYA  channels  and  the  'NCERT  Official'  YouTube channel,  with  the  purpose  to  sensitize  and  supporting  the  stakeholders.  The  initiative  provides psychological support, counselling services and digital resources to students, parents and teachers, strengthening mental health support mechanisms. Under this initiative, 245 webinar sessions have been transmitted on PM eVidya channels #6 and #11 covering 366.5 hours. Till date, 87,052 calls have been received on IVRS calls and callers have been tele-counseled. Under SAHYOG-Guidance and counseling for mental health and wellbeing of children, about 1,463 live sessions have been transmitted live covering 30 minutes each and have been telecast based on class-based channels (6 & 12) about 02:30 hours.

In  line  with  the  National  Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Clause 2.4.12.1 of the CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws stipulates that every CBSE-affiliated school shall appoint one Counselling and Wellness Teacher (Socio-Emotional Counsellor) for up to every 500 students enrolled, thereby maintaining a counsellor-to-student ratio of 1:500.

The schools are advised to adopt the CBSE Counselling Hub-and-Spoke School Model to provide counselling and well-being support services to students. CBSE also undertakes various initiatives to promote students' mental health and well-being, including the annual observance of Mental Health Week from 4th to 10th October and implementation of the Adolescent Peer Educators Leadership Programme.  The  Board  has  also  developed  and  disseminated  a  Mental  Health  and  Well-Being Manual for teachers to enhance awareness and sensitization.

Further, CBSE provides round-the-clock mental health support through a 24×7 toll-free Interactive Voice  Response  System  (IVRS)  and  offers  live  tele-counselling  services  through  73  trained professionals  on  working  days.  In  addition,  the  Board  maintains  digital  resources  on  its  official website to support students in stress management and emotional well-being.

Additionally,  Counsellors  are  appointed  on  contractual  basis  in  the  Kendriya  Vidyalayas  (KVs). They  organize  regular  guidance  and  counselling  sessions,  life-skills  education,  and  awareness programmes  on  stress  management,  emotional  well-being  and  positive  behavior.  The  KVS  also promotes yoga, meditation, sports, and co-curricular activities to address the issue of stress among students.

Furthermore,  UGC  has  formulated  the  Guidelines  for  Promotion  of  Physical  Fitness,  Sports, Students'  Health,  Welfare,  Psychological  and  Emotional  Well-Being  at  Higher  Educational Institutions with an objective to ensure equitable access to quality mental health services to all the students  enrolled  in  HEIs  with  special  emphasis  on  (1)  promoting  physical  fitness  and  sports activities for students; (2) creating safeguards against academic pressure, peer pressure, behavioral issues, stress, career concerns, depression and other issues on the mental health of students; (3) to teach positive thinking & emotions in the student community, and (4) to promote a positive and supportive network for students. All HEIs are advised/directed to make or amend their ordinances, regulatory  provisions,  and  other  rules  accordingly  to  ensure  that  the  directions  given  in  these guidelines are implemented in the best interest of students.

Additionally, UGC  had  issued  an advisory to HEIs  on 20.07.2020 to participate in the 'Manodarpan'  initiative  and  had  also  issued  an  advisory  to  HEIs  on  06.01.2023  regarding  the National  Suicide  Prevention  Strategy  framed  by  the  Ministry  of  Health  and  Family  Welfare, Government of India.

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