NCERT launches 20-hour AI and computational thinking module for grades 9-12
The National Council of Educational Research and Training has introduced a 20-hour activity-based AI curriculum for secondary students, covering everyday AI, machine learning basics, deepfake detection and data privacy.
The NCERT has released a 20-hour introductory AI and computational thinking course for Classes 9 to 12, created in partnership with IIT Madras and IIT Jodhpur faculty and designed for students unfamiliar with artificial intelligence. Structured around five thematic units, the curriculum examines AI applications in everyday contexts, the fundamentals of machine learning, the pitfalls of over-trusting AI outputs—including deepfakes and hallucinations—and the legal framework of India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
The final unit teaches students to craft and refine prompts, treating AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human reasoning. Learning is reinforced through practical exercises, discussions, and a “Curious Notebook” where pupils document insights. The program accommodates varied school resources by offering device-based, teacher-led, and paper-based activities, and it has been welcomed by principals who see it as a step toward preparing “future-ready” learners.
Why it matters
Equipping teens with AI literacy and ethical guidelines prepares them for a technology-driven future and safeguards against misinformation.
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