New Delhi, April 2 -- The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a structured curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for classes 3 to 8, aimed at building AI-readiness among students from an early age. Launched by Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday, the curriculum recommends 50 hours annually for classes 3 to 5 and 100 hours for classes 6 to 8, ensuring a gradual and age-appropriate progression for a phased integration of CT and AI concepts into school education. For classes 3 to 5, CT will be embedded within existing subjects such as environmental studies-through The World Around Us textbook-and mathematics. Students will learn foundational skills like logical thinking, pattern recognition, and sequencing through puzzles, games, and exercises. For classes 6 to 8, the curriculum expands to include advanced CT skills, introductory AI concepts, and interdisciplinary projects. Of the total 100 hours annually, 40 hours are allocated to advanced CT, 20 hours to AI fundamentals, and the remaining 40 hours to project-based learning. The curriculum also introduces critical themes such as digital footprints, bias, privacy, and fairness. The curriculum has been developed by a 10-member expert committee led by Dr Karthik Raman of IIT Madras. "The committee held nine meetings over three months and consulted NCERT officials, technology experts, principals, and computer teachers of CBSE-affiliated schools," said CBSE chairperson Rahul Singh. The curriculum will be implemented in over 32,900 affiliated schools from the 2026-27 academic session....