AI Courses Witness Record Enrollment in High Schools

Over 7.90 lakh students from 4,538 schools have enrolled in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) course for Classes 9 and 10 during the 2024-25 academic session, while over 50,000 students from 944 schools have opted for the course in Classes 11 and 12, according to information shared in the Lok Sabha on Monday. 

Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, provided these details in response to a query, emphasizing the growing interest in AI education. He stated, “In the session 2024-25, about 7,90,999 students from nearly 4,538 schools have opted for AI at the secondary level (Classes 9 and 10), and approximately 50,343 students from nearly 944 schools have chosen AI at the senior secondary level (Classes 11 and 12).” 

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced Artificial Intelligence as part of its curriculum in 2019. The program aims to foster an understanding of AI and its practical applications in daily life. The curriculum includes a 15-hour module for Class 8 and offers AI as a skill subject for Classes 9 to 12, equipping students with foundational and advanced knowledge in the field.

The Ministry of Education also highlighted that out of the 30,373 CBSE-affiliated schools, 29,719 schools have IT infrastructure compliant with CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws. This ensures effective delivery of AI courses alongside other IT-based programs, reflecting the board’s commitment to enhancing digital and technical literacy among students.