New Delhi: In a landmark move to prepare students for the future workforce, the Punjab government has announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a mainstream subject for Classes 1 to 12 under the Sarbat.AI project. The curriculum will be implemented by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) in phases, making Punjab the first state in India to integrate AI education across all school levels. 

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains unveiled the initiative under the 'Sarbat.AI' project, alongside former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, education experts, technology partners, and senior officials from the Punjab School Education Department. The AI curriculum will be introduced by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) in a phased manner.

Punjab Becomes First State to Introduce AI Education from Class 1

Speaking at the launch event, Harjot Singh Bains described the initiative as a transformative step for the state's education system.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era in Punjab's education system. Punjab has become the first state in India to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a mainstream subject from Class 1 to 12. We are moving from leading the Green Revolution to leading the Artificial Intelligence Revolution," Bains said.

The initiative aims to equip students with future-ready skills, promote innovation, encourage responsible use of technology, and develop ethical understanding of AI from an early age.

AI Curriculum Based on Global Standards

The AI curriculum has been developed after studying international education models from Singapore, Finland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States. It has also been aligned with UNESCO's Ethical AI Framework, ensuring students learn the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence while meeting international education standards.

According to the Punjab government, the curriculum will focus on AI literacy, digital citizenship, creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving skills.

AI Curriculum to Be Introduced in Two Phases

The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will roll out the AI curriculum in two phases.

Phase 1: AI for Classes 8 to 12

The first phase will cover Classes 8 to 12 by integrating Artificial Intelligence into the existing Computer Science curriculum in government and affiliated private schools.

Students will learn through:

• Online classes

• Recorded video lectures

• Project-based learning

• Digital assessments

• A dedicated Learning Management System (LMS)

Phase 2: AI for Classes 1 to 7

In the second phase, AI education will be expanded to Classes 1 to 7, ensuring students receive age-appropriate exposure to Artificial Intelligence from the foundational years.

The phased implementation is expected to build digital skills gradually while making AI concepts easier for younger learners to understand.

Collaboration with Leading Technology Partners

The programme builds upon the success of the PSEB AI Pilot Programme, developed in collaboration with FA-AI, which previously concluded with a statewide AI Hackathon.

For large-scale implementation, the initiative will be supported technologically by Neeev AI and strengthened through collaborations with leading global technology companies, including:

• Google

• Intel

• Canva

• FA-AI

These partnerships will focus on improving AI literacy, teacher training, innovation, and workforce readiness among students.

A Major Step Towards Future-Ready Education

With Artificial Intelligence rapidly transforming industries across the world, Punjab's decision marks a significant milestone in India's school education system. By introducing AI education from the primary level, the state aims to prepare students with practical digital skills, ethical AI knowledge, and innovation-driven learning that aligns with future career opportunities.

Education experts believe Punjab's AI initiative could encourage other Indian states to introduce similar technology-driven curricula, strengthening India's focus on digital education and future-ready learning.