The Punjab government has announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a core subject across Classes 1 to 12, making it the first state in India to implement AI education on such a comprehensive scale. The initiative, named Sarbat.AI, aims to prepare students for a technology-driven future by equipping them with essential digital, analytical, and problem-solving skills from an early age.
The programme was officially unveiled by Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains in the presence of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Manish Sisodia, along with education leaders, technology partners, and senior officials from the School Education Department. According to the state government, the initiative is expected to benefit nearly 3.15 million students studying in more than 25,000 government and PSEB-affiliated schools, making it one of the largest AI education initiatives undertaken by any Indian state.
The rollout of the AI curriculum will take place in two phases. During the first phase, AI concepts will be incorporated into the existing Computer Science curriculum for students in Classes 8 to 12 across government schools and Punjab School Education Board (PSEB)-affiliated private institutions. The second phase will expand AI learning to students in Classes 1 to 7 through age-appropriate content designed to build foundational digital literacy and introduce young learners to AI concepts in an engaging manner.
The curriculum has been developed after examining successful AI education models from countries including Singapore, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The state government has also aligned the programme with UNESCO’s Ethical AI Framework, ensuring that students gain an understanding of responsible, safe, and ethical AI practices alongside technical knowledge.
To make AI learning more interactive and application-oriented, the programme will combine live virtual classes, recorded learning modules, project-based activities, continuous evaluations, and a dedicated Learning Management System (LMS). The emphasis is on giving students practical exposure to AI rather than limiting learning to theoretical concepts.
The statewide launch follows the encouraging results of an AI pilot programme previously conducted by the Punjab School Education Board in collaboration with FA-AI. The pilot culminated in a state-level AI Hackathon, where students presented innovative AI-powered solutions, demonstrating strong interest and aptitude in emerging technologies.
Technology implementation for Sarbat.AI will be led by Neeev AI, while global technology companies including Google, Intel, Canva, and FA-AI will contribute through AI literacy programmes, teacher training, innovation support, and workforce readiness initiatives.
The government has also outlined an extensive teacher training strategy to ensure the successful implementation of the programme. In the initial phase, more than 12,400 Computer Science teachers will receive specialised training to deliver AI education. Over time, the initiative will be expanded to train more than 200,000 teachers from different disciplines, enabling AI concepts to be integrated across subjects and classroom teaching practices.
Speaking at the launch, Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab is determined to move beyond its legacy as the leader of the Green Revolution and emerge as a frontrunner in the AI revolution. He emphasised that the initiative is designed not only to improve employability but also to nurture innovators, entrepreneurs, critical thinkers, and responsible digital citizens capable of thriving in an AI-powered economy.
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Addressing the gathering, Manish Sisodia described the programme as a landmark step for school education in India. He noted that Punjab has created a new benchmark by introducing AI as a mainstream subject and highlighted that the initiative goes beyond teaching students how to use AI—it aims to empower them to create, innovate, and solve real-world problems using the technology. He also underlined the importance of leveraging technology to bring greater transparency and efficiency to India’s education and examination systems.
With the launch of Sarbat.AI, Punjab has positioned itself at the forefront of AI-enabled school education in India. By embedding Artificial Intelligence into the curriculum from primary to senior secondary levels, the state is taking a long-term approach to building a digitally skilled workforce while fostering innovation, ethical technology use, and future-ready learning across its education system.
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