Central Board of Secondary Education has planned to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a vocational subject for 8th, 9th, and 10th class students to make students well-versed in technologies and to enhance their technical knowledge.
“The decision to introduce artificial intelligence as a skill subject was taken at a recent meeting of the board’s governing body. It has been decided that the subject would be introduced in classes 8, 9 and 10 as a skill subject,” a member of the board’s governing body said.
The idea of introducing artificial intelligence as a subject was originated in the session held at NITI Aayog, after which the Board explored the concept.
“The board held consultations with stakeholders, including with a school that was already teaching the subject. Consequently, after comprehensive discussions, the board has decided to include artificial intelligence as an optional subject,” the official said.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasizes the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans.
Artificial intelligence is the ability of a machine to think, learn and perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making skills.
Keeping in mind, the huge impacts of AI globally, it was important for the board to modify the curriculum in accordance with the new trends.
“Syllabus for the new subject would be drafted for all the three classes. If required, the board will also help in the capacity building of schools for the teaching-learning of the new subject from the next academic session,” the member said.
CBSE has also decided to modify the 10th Board Mathematics Question paper by introducing two sets of question paper, one would be easy and the other would be standard. For the students who are not likely to opt for Mathematics after 10th, will be allowed to appear only for the easy section of the paper, the member confirmed.
“The board will provide the students a choice to opt for easier or the more testing question paper. Students who do not wish to take up maths in higher studies can opt for the easier test. However, they too have the option of choosing applied mathematics as a subject in classes 11 and 12,” the official cited above.
In case a student who has opted for the easier test later decides to opt for the standard one, he or she will be allowed to do so in July, the official said, adding the board will soon release a detailed circular on the proposal.