HP CM Sukhu Eyes AI, Coding in School Curriculum
Synopsis
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced at a government school in Mehla that Himachal Pradesh is considering adding machine learning, data science, and coding to its school curriculum, with Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani conducting a formal study of the proposal.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the proposal at Rajkiya Model Senior Secondary School, Mehla on November 6, 2026 .
The state is considering adding machine learning, data science, and coding to its school syllabus.
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani is formally studying the curriculum revision proposal.
The move aligns with National Education Policy 2020 , which mandates coding and computational thinking from Class 6.
Himachal Pradesh's consideration is part of a broader national trend of states updating syllabi to embed digital skills.
No implementation timeline or specific curriculum details have been confirmed yet.
A government school in Mehla, Himachal Pradesh became the backdrop for a significant policy signal on Friday, November 6, 2026 — Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government is actively considering adding machine learning, data science, and coding to its school curriculum.
Speaking at Rajkiya Model Senior Secondary School, Mehla, CM Sukhu stated that the state is exploring the inclusion of these subjects in the official syllabus. He added that Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani is currently studying the proposal — indicating the idea has moved beyond intent and into a formal review process.
Dharmani's Study and What Comes Next
Minister Dharmani's active review is the clearest indicator yet that this is a live policy exercise, not a floor-level aspiration. The outcome of his study will determine whether Himachal Pradesh announces a phased curriculum revision or a pilot rollout in select government schools. No timeline or specific implementation plan has been confirmed yet.
Himachal Pradesh Aligns With the NEP 2020 Mandate
The move fits squarely within the framework of the National Education Policy 2020, which mandates the introduction of coding and computational thinking from Class 6 onwards in Indian schools. Himachal Pradesh's consideration is part of a broader national wave — multiple states have already updated, or are in the process of updating, their syllabi to embed digital skills at the senior secondary level in government institutions.
For a predominantly hill state where government schools serve lakhs of students in remote areas, integrating subjects like AI, data science, and coding at this level could meaningfully widen access to future-ready skills — the kind rarely available outside private urban schools.
The students of Mehla's model school may have heard a promise on Friday. Whether it becomes policy depends on what Minister Dharmani tables next.
Point of View
But the gap between announcement and implementation in hill-state government schools remains a persistent challenge. If Himachal Pradesh executes this well, it could serve as a replicable model for other resource-constrained states trying to deliver future-ready education through public infrastructure rather than private channels.
NationPress
6 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CM Sukhu announce about Himachal Pradesh schools?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that Himachal Pradesh is considering including machine learning, data science, and coding in the school curriculum, with Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani formally studying the proposal.
Where did CM Sukhu make this education announcement?
The announcement was made at Rajkiya Model Senior Secondary School, Mehla, in Himachal Pradesh on November 6, 2026.
Who is studying the AI and coding curriculum proposal in Himachal Pradesh?
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani is conducting the study on including AI, data science, and coding in Himachal Pradesh's school syllabus.
Does the National Education Policy support adding coding to school curricula?
Yes. The National Education Policy 2020 mandates the introduction of coding and computational thinking from Class 6 onwards across Indian schools, providing the policy framework for Himachal Pradesh's proposal.
When will Himachal Pradesh schools start teaching AI and coding?
No specific timeline has been announced yet. The government is currently in the study and review phase, led by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani.
