The Indian education system might be witnessing one of the first adoption of AI in their curriculum amid criticism in the sector. The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) has announced that from the start of academic years 2023-24, it will introduce AI as an additional subject. This will be started from Class 9.

The official notification stated, “With reference to the above-cited subject, the new subject Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been introduced as an additional Subject in line with National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) scheme as 7 per cent subject for Class 9 from the Academic year 2023-2024.”

The subject would be compulsory for schools that are not offering NSQF subjects such as fine arts, astronomy, physical education, music, among others.

“In partial Modification to circular No.33, dated 28™ June 2022, the syllabus of Artificial Intelligence (AI) / ICT of Class IX and Class XI will be the same for the Academic year 2023-24 under school Assessment,” the notification stated. “Those Schools/Students opting for Artificial Intelligence (AT) as 7th subject at Class IX, the existing School Assessment Subject, ICT will be  exempted.”

Students of class 9 opting for the AI subject will have 40 marks worth of theory paper divided in two terms and 60 marks practical divided in two terms. GBSHSE recommends schools to have three sessions of AI for 33 minutes each per week for Class 9 and Class 11.

On an interesting note, Bhagirath Shetye, the chairperson of GBSHSE said that instead of appointed professionals and experts from the field of AI, the teachers already in the school who are interested in the field will have to teach the new subject to the students. The new course will be taught to mostly the computer teachers of the school. 

The new course will be accompanied with a new AI textbook under the Goa Board circular. This would include AI ethics, Python programming, neural networks, and the use of AI for the better world.