Next academic year onwards, CBSE students, as young as those studying in Class 3, will likely find computational-thinking skills integrated in all subjects as the Board prepares to implement an AI-focused curriculum.A draft artificial intelligence (AI) and computational thinking curriculum developed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for classes 3 to 12 also focuses on introducing foundational concepts of AI in the lower classes, along with advanced computational thinking and AI as compulsory subjects in classes 9 and 10, official sources said.The draft curriculum, which has been submitted to the NCERT for review, provides a structure for schools to introduce computational thinking and AI in a phased and progressive manner from classes 3 to 12.The curriculum is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for the introduction of “contemporary” subjects like AI, design thinking, and holistic health in the curriculum.For classes 3 to 5, the curriculum recommends that computational thinking — currently a part of the math curriculum in school — be embedded in all subjects such as language, and ‘The World Around Us’, which includes components of environmental studies, science and social science, the sources said. For these classes, assessments on computational thinking will be linked to core subjects that students learn, like math, they added.A similar approach is recommended for classes 6 to 8, where the curriculum suggests incorporating computational thinking into all subjects. At this stage, students are also likely to be introduced to foundational concepts of AI, sources said. From Class 6 onwards, the curriculum suggests assessments like projects, presentations, assignments, and reflective journals.Official sources said that from classes 3 to 8, the curriculum creates a framework for students to learn how AI works through supplementary material like handbooks and worksheets.Story continues below this adFor the younger classes, tentatively for classes 3-6, the curriculum is likely to be implemented from the 2026-27 academic year. This, however, is yet to be finalised.CBSE schools retain flexibility in terms of the subjects they teach and material they use in the younger classes. Compulsory subjects are specified for the board classes.For classes 9 and 10, advanced computational thinking and intermediate AI are set to be offered as compulsory subjects to students. This is likely to be implemented from the 2027-28 academic session, sources said, adding that this is the stage at which elements of programming are likely to be introduced. A separate textbook is being considered for the subject in these classes, while the CBSE is yet to take a call on whether assessments are likely to be internal ones or included in the board exam.In Class 11 and Class 12, core AI and machine-learning concepts and skills are set to be offered as elective subjects, allowing students who are interested in the subject to pursue it.Story continues below this adFor computational thinking and AI, the draft curriculum suggests 50 hours and 125 hours of study across grades 3 to 5 and 6 to 12, respectively.The CBSE is working on learning material for the subject, which is expected to be ready in December, and teachers’ training is likely to begin after that. For classes 3 to 5, math and other subject teachers are likely to teach the computational thinking syllabus, and for classes 6 to 8, teachers across disciplines will likely collaborate. For classes 9-12, computer science teachers will be involved.With the curriculum, the CBSE aims to help students approach and solve problems systematically, find patterns, apply technology to solve problems, and inculcate aspects of the ethical use of technology.CBSE currently offers AI as a 15-hour skill module Class 6 onwards. It is also offered as an optional skill subject to students in classes 9-12.Story continues below this adLast month, the Education Ministry announced that AI would be introduced in the school curriculum from Class 3 in the 2026-27 academic session, adding that the CBSE had constituted an expert panel to develop the curriculum for artificial intelligence and computational thinking.