CBSE set to introduce AI as optional subject from next year

Hyderabad: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is all set to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an elective subject from class VIII in the schools from the next academic year.

In a letter written to all the heads of CBSE affiliated schools, the Board said that it is introducing AI as part of making the future generations well-versed in technology,

Referring to a report, the Board said India's own strategy identified AI as an opportunity and solution provider for inclusive economic growth and social development.

The report also stressed the importance of skill-based education as opposed to knowledge-intensive education, it added. Further, the value of project related work is intended to "effectively harness the potential of AI in a sustainable manner" and to make India's next generation to be 'AI ready.'

Accordingly, AI would be introduced "as an optional 6th subject at Class IX from the session 2019-2020 onwards. This was to enhance the multidisciplinary approach in teaching learning and also to sensitise the new generation."

However, it was also decided, the CBSE said that schools may start AI "Inspire module" of 12 hours at Class VIII itself. The new course is that will be made available for students in 6,543 CBSE schools across the country.

Giving reasons for the introduction of the new course as the option for the students the board pointed out that AI is being widely recognised to be the power that will fuel the future global digital economy.

AI in the past few years has gained geo-strategic importance and a large number of countries are striving hard to stay ahead with their policy initiatives to get their country ready, it said.

That apart, the CBSE also decided to introduce "Early Childhood Care Education and Yoga" in the school curriculum for the academic year 2019-20. The new courses are introduced in addition to the list of the skill-based subjects (SBS) offered at the secondary and senior secondary level.

Accordingly, at the Secondary level, the school may offer an SBS subject as an additional sixth subject along with the existing five compulsory subjects.

If any student fails in any one of the three elective subjects (i.e. science, mathematics and social science), then it will be replaced by the skill subject (offered as a 6th subject) and the result of Class X will be computed based on best five subjects.

Similarly, at the senior secondary level, the Board asked the schools to introduce at least one or more SBS as an elective subject out of the 42 subjects being offered.

In turn, these courses can orient the students to explore new avenues and acquire the pre-professional skill to face the challenges of life in the future, it said.