The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an elective subject in classes 8, 9 and 10, in an effort to uplift the education system of the country and to make students well-versed in technologies of future.

"The decision to introduce artificial intelligence as a skill subject was taken at a recent meeting of the board's governing body. It has been decided that the subject would be introduced in classes 8, 9 and 10 as a skill subject," a member of the board's governing body said.

It is important for the board to modernise the school curriculum to stay abreast of the latest developments as technologies like AI, Data Analytics and Big Data are making a huge impact globally, said the governing body member.

"Syllabus for the new subject would be drafted for all the three classes. If required, the board will also help in the capacity building of schools for the teaching-learning of the new subject from the next academic session," the member added.

When contacted, a senior CBSE official confirmed the development. The official said AI would be one of the optional subjects on the vocational side.

According to the official, the CBSE has started exploring the idea of introducing AI as a school after a session held at the NITI Aayog – Central Government's policy think tank.

"The board held consultations with stakeholders, including with a school that was already teaching the subject. Consequently, after comprehensive discussions, the board has decided to include artificial intelligence as an optional subject," the official said.

The CBSE has 20,299 schools in India and 220 schools in 25 other countries affiliated to it.