Punjab has become the first state in India to introduce Punjab AI education as a mainstream subject for students from Class 1 to Class 12. The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will implement the curriculum in phases under the Sarbat.AI project, aiming to equip students with future-ready skills through Punjab AI education.
Punjab becomes first state to mainstream AI in schools
Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains launched the initiative alongside former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, education experts, technology partners, and senior officials.
Sharing the announcement on X, Bains said AI has become a core subject in every PSEB school across Punjab, ensuring that students from both urban and rural areas receive equal opportunities to learn cutting-edge technology. He added that Punjab has once again become the first state in India to introduce AI as a mainstream subject from Class 1 to Class 12.
Speaking at the launch, Bains described the move as the beginning of a new era in the state’s education system. He said Punjab is now moving from leading the Green Revolution to leading the Artificial Intelligence Revolution.
Curriculum follows global AI standards
The minister said the curriculum has been developed after studying education models from Singapore, Finland, the UAE, and the United States. It also aligns with UNESCO’s Ethical AI Framework to ensure students learn responsible and ethical AI practices.
Phase I will begin with Classes VIII to XII by integrating AI into the Computer Science curriculum across government and affiliated private schools. Students will attend live online classes, recorded sessions, project-based learning, continuous assessments, and use a dedicated Learning Management System. Phase II will extend Punjab AI education to Classes I to VII with age-appropriate lessons.
Nearly 31.5 lakh students to benefit
The programme builds on PSEB’s AI pilot conducted with FA-AI, which concluded with a statewide AI Hackathon showcasing innovative student projects.
Technology implementation will be led by Neeev AI in collaboration with Google, Intel, Canva, and FA-AI. The initiative is expected to cover 25,172 schools and nearly 31.5 lakh students. Around 12,424 Computer Science teachers will lead the first phase, while over two lakh teachers will receive AI training over time.
Manish Sisodia called the initiative a historic milestone, saying Punjab AI education sets a national benchmark by preparing students not just to use AI but also to innovate with it.
FAQs
Q: What is Punjab AI education?
A: It is Punjab’s new school initiative introducing Artificial Intelligence as a mainstream subject from Class 1 to Class 12.
Q: Why is Punjab AI education significant?
A: Punjab is the first Indian state to make AI a mainstream subject across all school grades.
Q: When will the AI curriculum begin?
A: Phase I starts with Classes VIII to XII, while younger classes will be included in the second phase.
Q: How many students will benefit from the programme?
A: The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 31.5 lakh students across 25,172 schools.