Chandigarh, July 23: Punjab has officially scripted history by becoming the first state in the country to integrate Artificial Intelligence as a core, mainstream subject across classes one through twelve. Unveiled through the statewide Sarbat.AI initiative, the curriculum is designed to transition the region from leading historical agricultural milestones toward becoming a pioneer in modern technological proficiency. The monumental rollout aims to reach 31.5 lakh students across 25,172 schools, ensuring equitable access to advanced digital learning in both urban centers and rural villages.
School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, joined by former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia along with education experts and senior department officials, formally launched the framework in Chandigarh. The curriculum has been shaped using international benchmarks from countries like Singapore, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, while aligning closely with the ethical frameworks established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
“From today, Artificial Intelligence is a core subject in every PSEB school across Punjab. Every child—city or village—will learn the skills the world’s leading nations are racing to teach theirs. Punjab moves first, again—becoming the first state to make AI a mainstream subject from Class 1 to Class 12,” Harjot Singh Bains stated, attributing the visionary momentum to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Implementation of the ambitious project will proceed in structured phases. Phase one integrates AI directly into the Computer Science framework for classes eight through twelve, powered by live instruction, project modules, and a dedicated learning platform managed by 12,424 specialized teachers. Phase two will subsequently extend the curriculum down to foundational primary grades for classes one through seven. Technical execution is supported by strategic alliances with industry leaders including Google, Intel, Canva, Amazon Web Services, Neeev AI, and FA-AI.
Addressing the gathering, Manish Sisodia asserted that the regional initiative has set a vital national standard for future-ready academics. “Punjab has scripted history with the launch of this project and has established itself as a national benchmark for AI education. This initiative reaffirms the state’s commitment to preparing students not merely to use Artificial Intelligence but to innovate with it, create with it and lead in the technology-driven future,” Manish Sisodia declared.
Punjab School Education Board Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh maintained that academic outcomes associated with the new computer science syllabus will be officially recorded on board certification documents, ensuring that technological literacy remains central to student evaluation and long-term workforce readiness.
