The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has recommended introducing a preparatory Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cyber Security course for Class 10 students. This initiative aims to prepare students for the newly incorporated Applied Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security subjects in the higher secondary curriculum from the 2024-25 academic year.
Chiranjib Bhattacharya, President of WBCHSE, unveiled the council’s proposal for a short-term, foundational course designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in Modern Computer Applications, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cyber Security. This move is part of a broader strategy to update and modernise the higher secondary education syllabus to reflect the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The council has outlined a plan for a ‘Bootstrap Program,’ a brief computer course to be offered in April and May before the core higher secondary curriculum starts. This course provides a solid foundation for students pursuing technology-centric subjects at the higher secondary level. While the council has stopped short of mandating the implementation of the Bootstrap Program, it strongly recommends secondary schools consider offering this innovative course to their students.
WBCHSE has suggested that the course be conducted in-person or online to accommodate diverse learning environments and logistical constraints, depending on the school’s preference and capabilities. For schools unable to perform the course directly, the council has made provisions for distributing study materials to interested students, ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to participate in this foundational program.
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the readiness of students for the challenges and opportunities of studying advanced technology subjects, thereby fostering a generation of tech-savvy individuals equipped to contribute to the digital economy. The results of the higher secondary exams, which took place in mid-February, are anticipated to be announced within 90 days, marking an exciting period of growth and development in West Bengal’s educational landscape.
