Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary has emphasised that India is moving swiftly to ensure that the next generation is not just AI-aware, but also AI-ready. He unveiled an ambitious roadmap to integrate artificial intelligence into India’s education system, starting as early as Class 6.
In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, the Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister said, “Teaching pedagogy has to change. Students must be made aware, not just of technology, but also the ethics around it, and how to interpret AI-generated outputs—whether it's ChatGPT or emerging Indian models like Sarvam.”
At the heart of the initiative is a foundational AI course – ‘AI for Everyone, AI for All’ – targeted at students from Class 6 to 12, which will be launched on July 15, he stated.
The course is being developed with the support of major tech firms and vetted by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). Teacher training modules are also being developed to help educators effectively deliver AI concepts, he added.
Over 30,000 schools have already joined the Skill Hubs initiative, which focuses on future skills like AI, IoT, and robotics. The upcoming pilot phase of the Skilling for AI Readiness Program will begin with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) – residential schools that cater to students from economically weaker backgrounds. “When JNV students access AI learning, the multiplier effect will be tremendous,” Chaudhary noted.
Elaborating on the government’s plan for inclusion of artificial intelligence in the school curriculum, Chaudhary stated that the push doesn’t stop at classrooms. The government is working with NCERT to integrate future skills into textbooks, while also expanding existing programs like 10,000 tinkering labs, now set to grow to 50,000 schools. Platforms like the Skill India Digital Hub and NASSCOM-MEITY’s FutureSkills Prime already offer AI courses for learners nationwide, he stated.
Chaudhary stressed that this rapid AI integration is not just about employment, it’s about equity. “These online resources and national programs ensure students in small towns and rural areas aren’t left behind. They’re resilient, innovative, and ready,” he said.
Chaudhary had earlier suggested that India shouldn’t look at AI as a disruptor for its young workforce, but something that will boost its output.
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