Punjab becomes first Indian state to make AI a compulsory subject from Class 1 to 12

The Punjab government has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a compulsory subject for all students from Class 1 to Class 12 in government schools affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board. This makes Punjab the first state in India to integrate AI into the mainstream curriculum at all grade levels.

The decision, announced by School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, moves AI from an optional or vocational subject to a core subject taught alongside Mathematics and Science. The move is part of a broader education reform initiative aimed at preparing students for a future where AI is expected to transform the global job market.

According to the International Monetary Fund, nearly 40 per cent of jobs worldwide will be affected by AI in the coming years. Countries such as China and South Korea have already begun mandating AI education in schools. China started implementing AI curricula in 2025, while South Korea introduces advanced technology concepts at the primary level.

Punjab's decision builds on significant improvements in its school education system over the past four years. The state, which ranked 27th in a national school education assessment in 2020, now ranks first in the country according to NITI Aayog's School Education Quality Report. The government has allocated ₹2,500 crore to modernise school infrastructure, achieving 100 per cent Wi-Fi connectivity in all government schools.

The establishment of Schools of Eminence has also contributed to improved student outcomes. This year, 882 students from Punjab's government schools qualified for NEET, nearly double the number from two years ago. A student from Ludhiana, Aryan Gupta, secured All India Rank 1 in NEET UG 2026.

Minister Bains stated that the AI curriculum will be introduced gradually, with foundational concepts for younger students and more advanced topics for older students. The government plans to train teachers and integrate AI tools into classroom learning. The initiative is part of what the government calls 'AI Kranti' — the next chapter after its successful 'Sikhiya Kranti' education reforms.

While the announcement has been praised by education experts, some have raised concerns about implementation challenges, including teacher training and resource availability in rural areas. The government has assured that a phased rollout will address these issues.