Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called for the introduction of Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Indian languages, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP). Launching the Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence curriculum for Classes III to VIII in New Delhi, the Minister emphasized that while the curriculum has been introduced in English, it must eventually be localized. Mr. Pradhan noted that India has the capacity to adapt quickly due to its intellectual diaspora and its ability to effectively localize knowledge. He also highlighted India's historical intellectual tradition, mentioning mathematicians such as Aryabhatta and Madhav, who developed foundational ideas in their native languages. He said that this legacy reinforces the need to democratize modern knowledge systems like AI in regional languages.
The Minister also advised the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to coordinate with state bodies to translate and implement the curriculum across languages within the academic year.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary said that the newly launched Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence curriculum will be introduced in schools across the country under the Central Board of Secondary Education. He added that the initiative aligns with the National Education Policy's focus on innovative pedagogy and early exposure to emerging technologies.
Developed by the Central Board of Secondary Education, the CT and AI curriculum aims to introduce foundational digital and analytical skills to students from Classes III to VIII, integrating emerging technologies into school education at an early stage.