How CBSE’s AI Push Is Changing the Way Students Learn

If you’re teaching in today’s classrooms, you’ve probably noticed how fast technology is becoming a part of everyday learning. The CBSE is now actively introducing Artificial Intelligence into schools, and this shift is starting to reshape how students think, explore, and understand concepts. This move is focused on making education more personalised, engaging, and future-ready. Let’s take a closer look at how this AI push is changing classroom learning, and what it means for both teachers and students.

CBSE’s Initiative on Artificial Intelligence

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), under the guidance of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, has launched a twin initiative to make students more aware of Artificial Intelligence and prepare them for an AI-driven future.

Here’s how CBSE is working toward this goal:

1. Introducing AI as an Elective Subject

   CBSE has made it possible for students in Classes 8, 9, and 10 to choose Artificial Intelligence as an elective subject. Here’s how it works:

   • Schools need to apply to CBSE and receive approval before offering the AI course.
   • A detailed curriculum has already been developed for Classes 8 and 9.
   • CBSE has also created a Facilitators’ Handbook to guide teachers through the course material.
   • To make sure teachers are well-prepared, CBSE is actively supporting training programs across schools.

   This move gives students an early start in understanding how AI works and where it fits into their future.

2. Integrating AI Across Subjects

   CBSE believes that Artificial Intelligence is a cognitive science that connects naturally with many school subjects related to reasoning, logic, and problem-solving. Subjects that can link well with AI include:

   • Mathematics
   • Computer Science
   • Psychology
   • Physics
   • Economics
   • Sociology
   • Philosophy
   • Language studies
   • Neurosciences and more

   That’s why CBSE has made it mandatory for all its schools to start blending AI into different subjects from Classes 1 to 12. This integrated approach ensures that students not only learn about AI as a standalone subject but also understand how it fits into real-world applications across different disciplines. By starting early, CBSE aims to build a generation of learners who are comfortable using and understanding AI as a part of their everyday learning journey.

Key Aspects of CBSE’s AI Integration

Here’s a closer look at the Key Aspects of CBSE’s AI Integration:

1. Curricular Integration

   Students start learning AI from Class 6 itself. The curriculum includes important topics like data science, machine learning, and neural networks, helping students build a strong base early on.

2. Teacher Training

   To support this shift, CBSE is offering training programs that help teachers understand AI concepts and how to teach them. These sessions also show how AI can be linked to different subjects, making it easier to blend into everyday lessons.

3. Pedagogical Approach

   Rather than treating AI as a separate topic, CBSE encourages using it in a way that fits naturally into everyday teaching. This approach builds critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It also supports experiential learning, where students learn by doing and exploring, not just memorising facts.

4. Skill Development

   The idea is to get students ready for a tech-driven world. Through AI, they develop skills like problem-solving, data analysis, computational thinking, and learning independently.

5. Personalised Learning

   CBSE is also encouraging the use of AI-powered learning tools that adjust to each student’s pace. These platforms give real-time feedback, explain complex ideas in easier ways, and let students learn at a speed that works best for them. For teachers, this means being able to track progress more closely and give better support where needed.

6. Innovative Resources

   CBSE’s AI push also brings new learning tools like virtual labs, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and gamified lessons. These make the learning experience more engaging and interactive.

7. Teacher and Student Bootcamps

   Free bootcamps are being organised where both teachers and students get hands-on practice with AI tools. These camps focus on building comfort with new technologies through practical experience.

8. Alignment with NEP 2020

   All of this ties into the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which focuses on making education more skill-based, practical, and connected to today’s technology.

What is the Rationale Behind the Twin Initiative in CBSE?

Initiative 1: Understanding the Role of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is now a part of almost everything we use. From the moment we open our phones, we see AI at work. Google suggests words as we type emails, Facebook recommends posts based on our interests, and even our cars can park themselves. In some countries, traffic systems use AI to manage roads by studying vehicle movement and weather conditions. Businesses rely on chatbots to understand customer needs, while homes now have AI-powered tools that make daily chores easier.

Since AI is shaping every aspect of our lives, from medicine and manufacturing to national security and space exploration, it is important for students to learn about it early. By studying AI, students can understand how technology works and eventually use this knowledge to improve lives and solve real-world problems.

Example: Imagine a student learning how AI helps doctors detect diseases through image analysis. This not only teaches them about technology but also inspires them to think about how similar tools could be used to help people in their own communities.

Initiative 2: Building AI Awareness Among Teachers

Unlike traditional subjects that focus on studying human behaviour, AI teaches us how to build systems that can think and act intelligently. To make sure this understanding reaches students, CBSE wants all teachers to become familiar with AI concepts and learn how to use them in their own subjects.

This approach helps teachers make lessons more interactive and student centred. When teachers use AI-based tools in their teaching, it sparks curiosity among students and encourages them to explore ideas more deeply. Over time, this builds a shared understanding of AI across both teachers and students.

Example: A science teacher might use an AI simulation tool to show how climate models predict weather changes. By doing so, students see complex data in a visual way and develop a clearer understanding of environmental patterns.

7 Key Markers for Integrating AI in K–12 Education

• Marker 1: Start by Identifying the Problem

  Every learning journey begins with a question. That’s why it’s important for students, no matter their age, to learn how to spot and define a problem clearly. Whether they’re working alone or in a group, students should be encouraged to explain the problem to themselves, their peers, teachers, or even their community. This step lays the groundwork for real problem-solving.

• Marker 2: Teach Students How to Gather Data

  After they know what problem they’re trying to solve, the next step is to gather information. This is where students learn to look at facts, do some research, maybe even conduct a quick survey or observation. It’s the groundwork that sets them up for solid problem-solving later on. And when you’re working with AI, learning how to collect good data is a big deal.

• Marker 3: Let Students Explore How Machines Can Collect Data Too

  Computers today can do more than crunch numbers. With the right tools, they can “see” images, “listen” to audio, and even “speak” through voice outputs. There are so many apps and tools that can help collect data in cool ways. Just giving your students a glimpse into how machines can assist with everyday tasks can open their minds to how AI fits into real learning.

• Marker 4: Help Students Visualise Data Through Models

  Once data is collected, students should learn how to represent it visually using graphs, charts, and models. These tools make abstract ideas easier to grasp. Learning how to turn raw information into clear visuals is an essential skill for any 21st-century learner. Teachers can use this step to build both technical and analytical thinking.

• Marker 5: Explain How Machines Learn from Data Too

  Just like humans, machines learn from experience. When students understand that machines use training data to build smarter models over time, they get a clearer picture of how AI works. Even basic exposure to this concept helps them appreciate what makes machines intelligent and how data keeps improving those systems.

• Marker 6: Encourage Thoughtful Conversations About Machine Limits

  Yes, machines can be smart. But they’re still machines. They work best when they’re guided by people. So it’s important to talk with your students about where AI can help and where it can’t. These kinds of conversations remind them that tools like AI are here to support our ideas, not replace them. It’s a great way to bring in some honest discussion and critical thinking.

• Marker 7: Talk About AI Ethics Early and Often

  AI can be used for good or it can be misused. That’s why ethics must be part of the conversation from the start. Students from Class 1 to 12 should get a chance to explore when and how AI tools should be used. Activities like debates, role plays, and classroom simulations can help students think deeply about how AI affects people, decisions, and the world around them.

How Can Schools Drive the Success of CBSE’s Push for AI-Integrated Learning?

The success of CBSE’s AI-integrated learning directive depends heavily on how schools implement it. School leaders need to actively support the initiative and make AI education a regular part of their teaching plans. Teachers should start introducing AI concepts in a simple, relatable way across subjects, not as a separate topic, but as a tool to support learning.

For this to work, teachers need to accept that AI is becoming a part of everyday life. They don’t need to master complex technology but should be open to using the support materials and examples provided by CBSE. These resources can help them design lessons that connect classroom concepts with real-world AI use.

When schools take the lead, encourage teachers, and integrate AI into regular lessons, students are more likely to explore AI independently, understand its relevance, and use it responsibly. That’s how schools can ensure the CBSE initiative delivers real results.

Meeting National Goals of NCF, NCERT and NITI Aayog through AI Integration

India’s education vision has been clear for years. It focuses on moving away from rote learning and encourages skills, real-world thinking, and flexible, tech-driven classrooms. AI in schools is a practical way to turn that vision into day-to-day reality.

What Do These National Frameworks Really Ask For?

1. NITI Aayog’s “Skilling for the AI Age”

   It calls for a shift towards skill-based learning, especially in STEM and computing. It promotes more hands-on project work, frequent curriculum updates, and a stronger focus on keeping up with fast-changing technology.

2. NCF 2005 Goals and Principles

   NCF 2005 encourages a move away from cramming facts. The goal is to help students connect classroom learning to real life, think critically, explore freely, and engage actively in the classroom.

3. NCERT’s Position Paper on Education Technology

   It highlights the need to build reasoning and higher-order thinking. It talks about flexible curriculum design, giving students access to create and explore knowledge, and using technology in a way that matches individual learning needs.

4. CBSE Circular No. 14/2019

   It recommends early exposure to AI, starting with the Inspire module in Class 8, and encourages schools to offer AI as an optional subject from Class 9 onwards.

How Does AI Integration Bring These Ideas to Life in Real Classrooms?

1. Moving from Recall to Reasoning

   AI tools can turn simple objective questions into deeper prompts that ask for explanations and justifications. This matches NCF’s goal of building analytical thinking and deeper understanding.

2. Bringing in Skill-based, Project-style Learning

   Teachers can use AI-powered tools to generate classroom activities, investigations, and real-life challenges without spending hours on preparation. This supports hands-on learning and lets students apply what they learn.

3. Making the Curriculum More Flexible

   AI tools help teachers plan lessons around any textbook, any board, and in multiple languages. They can switch the order of topics or adjust the time spent on each one. This kind of flexibility is exactly what NCERT promotes.

4. Using Assessment to Support Learning

   Even traditional pen and paper tests can become smarter. AI tools can create unique versions for each student and give feedback based on rubrics. This keeps assessments aligned with classroom learning instead of just preparing for exams.

5. Ensuring Access and Inclusion for All Learners

   Features like instant doubt clearing, step-by-step help, and multilingual support let students learn at their own pace and in the language they are comfortable with. This makes learning more inclusive and removes barriers.

6. Starting AI Early and Continuing with Depth

   Middle school students get simple, age-appropriate AI experiences. By the time they reach secondary school, they are ready for deeper, structured learning. This follows CBSE’s step-by-step approach to AI readiness.

How Extramarks Brings This All Together

• Plan: The AI Lesson Planner aligns your textbook with a full term plan, mapping topics to class periods and ready-made resources.
• Teach: Tools like the Teaching Deck Generator and Classroom Activity Generator help you create engaging slides and activities that match your curriculum.
• Practice: Together Mode turns practice time into a whole-class experience, giving every student a chance to participate.
• Assess: Power Questions let you generate multiple test versions for written exams, while Subjective Answer Evaluation helps you check answers faster without giving up control.
• Support: Features like Student Co-Pilot, Ask It, and Help Me Solve It provide real-time hints and step-by-step guidance so students do not get stuck, in or outside of class.

These tools directly support NITI Aayog’s focus on applied skills, NCF 2005’s move away from rote learning, NCERT’s emphasis on flexible, student-centred teaching and CBSE’s structured approach to AI education.

Closing Thoughts

CBSE’s focus on Artificial Intelligence marks a major step towards preparing students for a fast-changing world. By bringing AI into classrooms, the board is helping students move beyond memorising lessons to actually thinking, experimenting, and solving problems. It also gives teachers the tools to make learning more engaging and inclusive. With time, these changes will not only build stronger learners but also nurture a generation that understands how to use technology with purpose, creativity, and responsibility.

Prachi Singh

Prachi Singh is a highly accomplished educationist with over 16 years of experience in the EdTech industry. Currently, she plays a pivotal role at Extramarks, leading content strategy and curriculum development initiatives that shape the future of education...Read More