The Ministry of Education’s decision to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) into India’s school curriculum from Class 3 onwards marks a visionary step toward building a generation that is not only digitally literate but intellectually agile and ethically aware. Beginning in the 2026–27 academic session, this initiative, anchored in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, signals a paradigm shift in how India envisions the role of technology in learning and nation-building.
For a country where technology and innovation are becoming integral to every sector, from agriculture to governance, embedding AI education early on will democratize access to future skills. It represents a crucial move away from rote learning toward conceptual understanding, creativity, and critical problem-solving.
At Ziraat Times, we particularly welcome this initiative for the immense promise it holds for Jammu & Kashmir and high aspirations middle-class. If implemented equitably, AI education can bridge the digital divide that continues to separate those with access to technology and those who do not have it. When children from Kupwara to Kathua learn not just to use technology, but to understand and shape it, J&K’s innovation ecosystem will gain both depth and diversity.
The Ministry’s consultative and inclusive approach, bringing together CBSE, NCERT, KVS, NVS, and state education departments—is commendable. The emphasis by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSE&L, that AI should be treated as a “basic universal skill” resonates deeply. AI today is not just a career specialization; it is a civic competence. From understanding how algorithms influence daily life to using AI tools for local problem-solving, these early lessons can empower students to become thoughtful and responsible digital citizens.
The challenge, however, lies in equitable implementation. Teacher preparedness, infrastructure support, and regional language inclusivity will determine the real success of this reform. It is reassuring that the government plans to use the NISHTHA platform and digital learning modules to train teachers and provide classroom-ready resources. Equally important will be ensuring that rural schools have access to the digital infrastructure necessary for interactive learning.
We must also celebrate the ethical dimension embedded in this reform. In a world where AI systems increasingly shape economies, politics and social realities, teaching young minds to use technology responsibly is as important as teaching them to code. The Ministry’s insistence on “ethical AI” and contextual relevance —adapting global models to Indian socio-cultural realities — is a forward-looking stance that deserves full support from educators, civil society, and policymakers alike.
As a publication committed to equitable development, Ziraat Times welcomes this initiative and urges both Central and State governments to ensure that no region, no classroom, and no child is left behind in this educational transformation. The future is intelligent, and India’s classrooms are finally preparing to meet it.
