NCERT Introduces Computational Thinking and AI Module for Grades 9-12: Important Details
New Delhi: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing in all fields, from online searches to creating and analysing content. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched a module to help school students understand AI, instead of simply using it.
NCERT has released an introductory module on computational thinking and artificial intelligence for classes 9 to 12. With this module, NCERT aims to foster students’ ability to creatively and responsibly use the advancements made in various fields.
|
Important Point |
Details |
|
Institution |
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) |
|
Module |
Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence |
|
Target group |
Grades 9–12 |
|
Policy alignment |
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 |
|
Learning approach |
Practical, activity-based and experiential |
|
Device requirement |
Activities can be conducted with or without digital devices |
|
Key focus |
Critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and responsible AI |
|
Reported news date |
23 October 2026 |
What is the NCERT Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence Module?
This module is aimed at students with little or no exposure to artificial intelligence. It doesn’t presume students understand advanced technology, including programming and begins with the basics of computational thinking. The module covers the basics of how AI works and where it is used.
Students engage in activities, including creating an AI application and evaluating AI’s capabilities and shortcomings. Though students learn to examine results and think logically, they are encouraged to go beyond questioning results and making their own judgement about whether or not a computer-derived answer is correct.
How Will Students Learn Computational Thinking and AI?
The activities presented in the module employ an experiential learning approach. They use discussion, exercises, experiments, and reflection to gradually introduce learners to computational thinking and other related concepts. Activities help learners develop a disposition to investigate problems, formulate hypotheses, and draw inferences from observations. This leads to a gradual understanding of how technology works, a potentially intimidating area, for learners not familiar with the domain of computer science.
A strength of the module is that it enables learners to work with or without digital devices. Therefore, teachers are not restricted to using activities found in other modules when teaching in a technology starved environment. It builds other skills that include logical and creative thinking as well as problem solving skills in a structured way.
Responsible AI Use: Privacy, Fairness and Fact-Checking
After the basics of AI are presented, this module introduces the students to risks associated with AI.
- Privacy: Identifying the relevance of protecting personal/sensitive information online and when using AI tools.
- Fairness: Identifying how AI can generate/reinforce bias and results that are unfair.
- Digital Safety: Awareness of online risks and safer technology practices.
- Fact-checking: Trusting AI generated information.
- Critical judgement: Recognizing AI's limitations and the necessity of human reasoning.
These are particularly important for students in light of increased use of AI tools to generate text and other forms of content on the internet. Examples include students finding AI tools to do their research or other school tasks. Students should evaluate important claims generated by AI tools, especially if they are to present work generated by AI tools.
How Does This Impact School Students?
With the aid of this initiative, students can develop an understanding of AI in its foundational stages. Advanced technical skills are not necessary to benefit from this initiative at this stage. Understanding the foundational concepts of AI will allow students to understand the reasoning behind digital technologies, challenge information provided by AI systems, and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve academic and other problems.
Teachers have the option of integrating the concepts in an instructionally useful way. The flexibility afforded by the module makes it suitable for various levels of integration. Activities included in the module do not depend exclusively on digital devices; schools can adjust them to the resources available to them. While there is no official communication from NCERT/CBSE regarding the implementation of the Module, the central idea is fairly simple. It calls for students to learn to use AI in an informed manner without losing their ability to think critically and evaluate information and make right decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is NCERT’s Computational Thinking and AI module?
It is a learning module that helps the development of computational thinking and AI with regard to the emphasis on creativity, problem solving and rational usage of technology.
2. Which classes does the NCERT AI module cover?
The module announced so far is for classes 9 to 12.
3. Is previous knowledge of artificial intelligence required?
No, the module has been designed to meet the demands of beginner level students and provides basic concepts of artificial intelligence.
4. Are the activities in the module computer based?
No. The activities can be designed without the aid of digital devices, based on the learning task and available resources in the classroom.
5. What are the aspects of responsible AI highlighted in the module?
The module focuses on data privacy and fairness, digital security, fact checking, and evaluation of AI generated information.
6. Does the module relate to the goals of NEP 2020?
Yes, it relates to the focus of the National Education Policy 2020 and the development of skills related to computational thinking and other related areas.
Click Here for More Latest News