Punjab on Wednesday, 22 July became the first state in India to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) as a mainstream subject across all school classes, from Class I to XII. The initiative, branded the 'Sarbat.AI' project, will be rolled out in a phased manner by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB).

Launch and Key Announcements

School Education Minister Harjot Bains launched the project in Chandigarh alongside former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, in the presence of education experts, technology partners, and senior officials of the School Education Department. Bains declared that Punjab has now led the way nationally, stating: 'We are moving from leading the Green Revolution to leading the artificial intelligence revolution.'

The minister emphasised the broader vision behind the initiative: 'We want every child in Punjab to be prepared not only for the jobs of tomorrow but also to become creators and innovators in the technology-driven world.'

Curriculum Design and Global Benchmarks

According to Bains, the curriculum was developed after studying international best practices from Singapore, Finland, the UAE, and the US. It has been aligned with UNESCO's Ethical AI Framework to ensure students learn the responsible, safe, and ethical use of AI while meeting global standards. The emphasis on ethical AI and digital citizenship distinguishes this rollout from narrower coding-only programmes seen in other states.

Phase-Wise Implementation Plan

The rollout follows a two-phase structure. In Phase I, AI education will be integrated into the computer science curriculum for Classes VIII to XII in government and affiliated private schools. Instruction will be delivered through live online classes, recorded lectures, project-based learning, continuous assessments, and a dedicated learning management system.

In Phase II, the programme will be extended to Classes I to VII, ensuring age-appropriate AI education from the foundational years. No specific timeline for Phase II was announced at the launch.

What Sisodia Said

Addressing the gathering, former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia said the initiative reaffirms Punjab's commitment to preparing students 'not merely to use artificial intelligence but to innovate with it, create with it and lead in the technology-driven future.' Sisodia's presence at the launch drew attention given his background in transforming Delhi's government school system.

Significance and What Comes Next

No other Indian state has formally embedded AI as a compulsory mainstream subject across all school grades, making Punjab's move a potential national template. The PSEB is expected to release detailed syllabi and teacher-training protocols ahead of Phase I implementation. How swiftly the state can train educators and build digital infrastructure — particularly in rural districts — will determine whether the ambition translates into classroom reality.