AI and Robotics are No Longer Optional Subjects in Schools

What was once considered a niche, extracurricular activity in schools is now steadily becoming central to how students learn in India. Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer confined to hobby clubs. They have evolved into structured, skill-driven subjects, reshaping the country’s education landscape.

The transition gained significant momentum after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) mandated computational thinking and AI at the primary level, starting with the 2026–27 academic session. According to its latest curriculum guidelines and handbook, students from as early as Class 3 will now be exposed to foundational AI concepts. The move reflects a broader shift towards experiential, future-ready education.

“While AI is an important requirement, Computational Thinking should be a broader skill, developing a foundation for learning AI. It can cover various aspects like cybersecurity, basic networking, etc. Hence, CBSE approaches this by integrating Computational Thinking with AI and other technological advancements, without dependence on any platform,” the education board noted in its teacher’s handbook.

A Shift Driven by Necessity

Industry experts believe this transformation is not accidental; it is driven by the demands of a rapidly changing job market.

“Robotics and AI are no longer optional skills. They are becoming essential life skills. Students today are preparing for careers that don’t even exist yet, many of which will be rooted in AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making,” observes Anurag Gupta, CEO of STEMROBO Technologies, an edtech company specialising in end-to-end STEM, robotics, AI, and IoT solutions for K-12 schools.

He notes that accessibility has played a key role in accelerating adoption. “Earlier, robotics kits and AI tools were expensive and limited to niche clubs. Today, affordable hardware, cloud platforms, and structured modules have made it easier to integrate these into classrooms,” he tells AIM.

Government initiatives aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) have further strengthened this push, encouraging schools across metros and smaller cities alike to adopt skill-based learning. 

As part of the Samagra Shiksha scheme, the Ministry of Education grants ₹6.4 lakh per school, along with an annual maintenance grant of ₹2.4 lakh, to set up Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Labs. Meanwhile, the Skilling for AI Readiness initiative looks to build awareness and skills for class 6–12 students and educators.

From Exposure to Application

On the ground, educators are witnessing a clear evolution in how robotics is taught and perceived.

“The subject has moved far beyond being a 'fun lab period.’ Earlier, it was mostly exposure-based. Today, robotics is integrated with subjects like mathematics, physics, and design thinking,” explains Anusha Kulkarni, a robotics and ICT educator at Ebenezer International School in Bengaluru. She adds that the intent has shifted from engagement to skill-building.

Her classroom reflects this change. Younger students approach robotics as a fun activity, unknowingly building logical thinking skills. Older students, however, are more outcome-driven. 

“They want their robots to work, solve problems, and even compete. But they also face frustration when things don’t go as expected, which is where mentorship becomes important,” she remarks.

Beyond technical knowledge, robotics is also shaping soft skills. “Students develop leadership, collaboration, and resilience. I assign a student leader every week to manage tasks and coordinate teams. It builds accountability and confidence among themselves for better teamwork,” Kulkarni notes.

Startups Bridging the Gap

Edtech startups are also playing a major role in expanding access to robotics education.

Dinesh K, Co-founder and CEO of edtech startup RoboticsSchools in Bengaluru, says the idea of focusing on the emerging field stemmed from a gap in traditional education. “We came from a rural background and saw that while general education was evolving, robotics was still largely ignored. That’s when we decided to create something more personalised,” he says.

Founded in 2020, the school now teaches students aged 5 to 18 across India and other countries. Its one-to-one teaching model allows customised learning. 

“Every child learns differently. We want them to build based on their own creativity rather than just follow instructions,” he explains.

Students begin with simple drag-and-drop programming and gradually progress to advanced projects, including home automation systems and AI-integrated robots. “In one instance, students developed a multilingual teaching robot designed to assist rural learners by answering questions in regional languages,” he recalls.

He believes the shift toward robotics is inevitable. “In the future, everything will involve AI and robotics. Even if students don’t become developers, they need to understand how to use these technologies.”

Industry Influence and Real-World Exposure

The growing presence of AI-powered consumer products is also shaping how children interact with technology outside classrooms.

Ayush Jain, Senior Vice President, Product at Miko, which makes conversational companion robots for kids, highlights that AI companion robots are gaining traction among Indian families. “India is our second-largest market after North America, and adoption has been strong. Parents are increasingly open to introducing AI to children early, provided it is safe and meaningful,” he adds.

However, designing for children comes with challenges. “Safety is the most important factor. At the same time, we have to balance learning with fun so that children remain engaged,” he shares.

Localisation is another critical factor. “India is diverse in terms of language and accents. We need to ensure the technology understands children clearly and responds in a context they relate to.”

According to Grand View Research, India’s educational robotics market is expected to reach $189 million by 2030, recording an annual growth rate of 32% between 2025 and 2030.

Research-Backed Opportunity 

A research paper on ‘Innovations in Educational Robotics: Advancing AI for Sustainable Development’ by researchers from the UK, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia indicates that early exposure to robotics and AI enhances computational thinking, problem-solving and creativity among students. Hands-on learning environments, where students build and experiment, have been shown to improve retention and conceptual understanding compared to traditional teaching methods.

“The integration of AI technologies enables educational robots to adapt learning styles and provide personalised feedback, creating a dynamic learning shift that not only improves teaching outcomes but also sustainable development goals by encouraging students to tackle real-world challenges using robotics and AI,” the study notes.

However, the research also highlights challenges, particularly around accessibility and equity. While well-funded schools can implement advanced labs and tools, many institutions still face barriers related to cost, infrastructure and teacher training.

Kulkarni sheds light on this concern. “The gap is not just about hardware. It’s about awareness, affordability and access to proper guidance,” she highlights.

Despite these challenges, experts agree that robotics and AI will continue to expand within India’s education system.

Gupta believes these subjects could soon become as fundamental as mathematics and science, but only if integrated correctly. “They should not be taught in isolation. They need to be embedded within existing subjects to make learning more contextual and meaningful,” he asserts.

For now, the shift marks a significant step forward. Classrooms are no longer just spaces for theory, but they are becoming environments for experimentation, innovation, and real-world problem-solving.

As India prepares its next generation for an AI-driven future, robotics and artificial intelligence are no longer optional; they are essential.