All Schools to Go High-Tech: Artificial Intelligence to Become a Core Subject from Classes 1 to 12

July 31, 2026

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has decided to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a core subject for classes 1 through 12, marking a new chapter in the state’s school education sector. With this move, Punjab has become the first state in India to implement such an initiative. The aim is to prepare students for the future technological landscape and equip them with modern digital skills right from an early stage.

Launch under the ‘Sarbat Artificial Intelligence’ Project

The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will implement this ambitious program in a phased manner under the ‘Sarbat Artificial Intelligence’ project. It is considered one of the largest state-level Artificial Intelligence education campaigns in the country. The Punjab government’s objective is not merely to teach students how to use technology but also to foster skills such as innovation and problem-solving.

Launched by Harjot Singh Bains

School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains launched the project in the presence of former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, education experts, and technical partners. He stated that Artificial Intelligence education would now become an integral part of the curriculum in every government school and PSEB-affiliated school in Punjab, ensuring equal opportunities for students from both urban and rural areas.

Curriculum Designed to Meet International Standards

According to the Punjab government, the Artificial Intelligence curriculum has been formulated after studying the education systems of countries like Singapore, Finland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the USA. It has been developed in alignment with UNESCO’s ethical AI framework, enabling students to learn the safe, responsible, and ethical use of technology.

Scheme to be Implemented in Two Phases

In the first phase of the program, Artificial Intelligence will be integrated with the Computer Science subject for classes 8 through 12. Students will receive training through live online classes, recorded lectures, project-based learning, regular assessments, and a Learning Management System. In the second phase, an Artificial Intelligence-based curriculum will also be implemented for students from classes 1 to 7.

Benefits for Lakhs of Students and Teachers

According to the Punjab government, this project will benefit over 25,000 schools and approximately 31.5 lakh students across the state. In the initial phase, 12,424 computer science teachers will conduct the program, while in the future, more than two lakh teachers across all subjects will be trained in Artificial Intelligence-based teaching.

Support from Tech Companies

Collaboration with several leading technical institutions and companies will be sought to implement the Artificial Intelligence education program. Under this initiative, the government will work with various technology partners to enhance teacher capacity, provide digital resources, and foster innovation.

Focus on Preparing Students for the Future

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that the objective of this initiative is not merely to turn students into users of Artificial Intelligence, but to prepare them to develop technology-based solutions, innovate, and compete on a global scale. He noted that Punjab has previously led the Green Revolution, and the state is now moving towards leading the country in the field of Artificial Intelligence-based education as well.