In theory, this proposal will be a game-changer. But implementation poses challenges. 

According to available estimates, India had around 650,000 AI professionals in 2024. But the number of AI professionals required for the ambitious project is more than 1.2 million by 2027.

Government officials said that it aims to develop the required number of specialists by this timeline.

The government has announced a plan to train nearly 10 million teachers in AI. Experts argue that before implementing such an ambitious programme, the government should conduct a comprehensive assessment of whether the country currently has enough qualified experts to deliver this training.

Pilot Initiative

An expert from IIT pointed out that to train five million teachers in the first phase, the country would need approximately 200 to 500 core AI experts, about 10,000 master trainers, and nearly 600,000 district-cluster level trainers.

Establishing such a large training ecosystem within a short period remains a major challenge.

Meanwhile, steps have already been taken to integrate AI into school education. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced AI skill modules, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has incorporated AI-related topics in Computer Science and Informatics Practices curricula.

Bridging Gaps

As India pushes forward with its ambition to become a global leader in AI, the success of this education reform will largely depend on the availability of trained experts, adequate infrastructure, and effective coordination between the Central and State governments.

With the new curriculum on AI and Computational Thinking (CT) aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF-SE) 2023 set to be introduced across the country from the new academic session 2026–27, education experts are viewing it as a potential risk, while technology experts are welcoming it with enthusiasm.

National Curriculum Framework

The framework was presented at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the end of last year. CBSE has formed an expert committee under the chairmanship of Karthik Raman of IIT-Madras, which has prepared the curriculum for AI and CT.

To address the challenges in training teachers across the country, the government will provide training through the NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement) programme. Teachers will be prepared to teach AI through video-based learning and grade-wise modules.

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary in the Union Ministry of School Education and Literacy, had said during the stakeholders' meeting, “Currently, more than 18,000 CBSE schools are running a 15-hour ‘Skilling for AI Readiness’ module for Classes 6–8. In Class 3, the basic concepts of AI will be introduced through fun and interactive methods. In middle school, students will learn about the use and applications of AI in everyday life, while in high school, they will study AI innovation and emerging technologies.”

To train students and teachers in AI, digital platforms such as DIKSHA and SWAYAM are being used. SWAYAM currently hosts more than 110 AI courses offered by institutions such as IITs and IISc, and over 4.1 million students have enrolled in them so far. In addition, under the India-AI Mission, the government will spend ₹10,371.92 crore over the next five years to develop AI research, datasets, and technological infrastructure.

Mayank Singh, coordinator of the Centre for AI-Driven Innovation, says, “It is important for students to understand how AI can be used to solve real-world problems through technology. Education should not remain limited to screens; it should encourage curiosity, creativity, and deeper thinking.”

Data Privacy

According to education experts in the country, this initiative also comes with several challenges. One major concern is protecting students' data privacy. Questions have also been raised about bias and misinformation in AI-generated information, and it is necessary that AI remains a supportive tool rather than replacing students’ thinking abilities. For this reason, experts have recommended measures such as citation prompts, source checks, and teacher-controlled guardrails in AI-based educational systems.

The president of the All India Primary Teachers Federation (AIPTF) says that unless the digital divide between urban and rural areas is addressed, it will be difficult to ensure that AI education benefits everyone. The federation leaders have also warned that age-appropriate approaches must be adopted while implementing AI education in schools.

Amit Prashant, Dean of External Relations at IIT Gandhinagar, says that whenever a new technology emerges in a country or the world, there is often hesitation initially, but over time, it becomes a part of everyday life. 

AI Curriculum In States

Currently, Punjab is the only state where an AI curriculum has already been introduced in government schools. Odisha has prepared a roadmap for AI education in schools under its AI policy. Tamil Nadu has started adding AI, robotics, and coding to the school curriculum. In Karnataka, an AI assistant programme called “Shiksha Co-pilot” has been launched to help teachers. Schools in Haryana are preparing to include AI as a regular subject in the curriculum. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh has started special programmes to train teachers and develop a skilling and startup ecosystem, while Assam has introduced AI along with vocational subjects.

The Gujarat government has partnered with IIT Gandhinagar and Navneet Education to promote AI education in schools. This collaboration will focus on preparing teachers. Currently, Navneet AI is connected with more than 500 schools and 2,000 teachers across 14 states. In Gujarat, the structure of the curriculum is being prepared by the Gujarat Council of Educational Research and Training (GCERT).

Global Picture

In Beijing, China, at least eight hours of AI education per year have been made compulsory in primary and secondary schools from 2025. Singapore has adopted the Smart Nation Strategy to achieve global leadership in this field by 2030. In Hong Kong, 10–14 hours of AI study have been compulsory at the junior secondary level since 2023.

According to a 2025 report, 55.6% of countries worldwide are developing AI curricula, while 80% of countries have announced national strategies for AI.