CBSE is teaching AI to students before the basics are met

CBSE has introduced Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking (AI&CT) as a mandatory for Classes 3–8 from the 2026-27 academic session. The curriculum framed as “AI for Public Good” was designed by an IIT Madras-led expert committee. The curriculum reframes how India understand foundational skills. These are no longer limited to literacy and numeracy alone; they now include logical thinking, pattern recognition, problem solving and ethical responsibility.. News Source: Times of India While the curriculum looks promising, India’s ground reality is different. Only 57% of Indian schools had computers in 2023-24. Only 27% of children aged 6-14 have basic internet access. Schools still differ widely in the availability of functioning devices, bandwidth, teacher preparedness, lab time, maintenance, and integrating technology into everyday teaching. What remains to be seen is whether or not the promised scale translates into depth on ground esp. for educators