Chandigarh: “From leading the Green Revolution to leading the AI Revolution” — with this vision, Punjab on Wednesday became the “first state” in the country to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a mainstream subject from Class I to XII. The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will roll out the curriculum in a phased manner under the ‘Sarbat.AI’ project.While launching the project, along with former Delhi education minister Manish Sisodia, Bains said, “This initiative will equip our students with future-ready skills while fostering innovation, ethical AI, entrepreneurship and responsible digital citizenship. We want every child in Punjab to be prepared not only for the jobs of tomorrow but also to become creators and innovators in the technology-driven world.“He said: “Today marks the beginning of a new era in Punjab’s education system. Punjab has become the first state in India to introduce AI as a mainstream subject from Class I to XII. We are moving from leading the Green Revolution to leading the AI Revolution.”Highlighting the scale of the initiative, he said, “The programme builds on the success of PSEB’s AI Pilot Programme, which culminated in a statewide AI Hackathon. Student innovations developed during the pilot have demonstrated the immense potential of our children, and some of these projects are being showcased today.”The curriculum has been developed after studying international best practices from Singapore, Finland, the UAE, and the US, the minister said, adding that it has been aligned with UNESCO’s ‘Ethical AI Framework’ to ensure that students learn the responsible, safe, and ethical use of AI while meeting global standards.The phase I will begin with Classes VIII to XII by integrating AI into the computer science curriculum in govt and affiliated private schools. Students will learn through live online classes, recorded lectures, project-based learning, continuous assessments, and a dedicated learning management system. In Phase II, AI education will be expanded to Classes I to VII, ensuring that every child in Punjab receives age-appropriate AI education from the foundational years.The programme will benefit 25,172 schools and nearly 31.5 lakh students. In Phase I, at least 12,424 computer science teachers will lead implementation, while over two lakh teachers across all disciplines will be progressively trained to integrate AI into teaching, learning, and assessment.Bains added, “While countries like China and South Korea have already embedded AI in their primary school curricula, Punjab has chosen to lead India in this direction. Today, Punjab ranks first in education in the country. We are moving beyond outdated software drills to impart genuine future-ready skills. We have already equipped our schools with computers, smart panels and the necessary infrastructure. Punjab, once known as the nation’s breadbasket, will now emerge as the cradle of future talent. In the next five to eight years, Punjabis will be leading institutions across the world.”MSID:: 132558194 413 |
