Artificial intelligence is no longer reserved for engineers and computer scientists. In Andhra Pradesh, the AI conversation is moving into the school classroom with a push to introduce AI-related learning at the high school-level and redesign the curriculum around rapidly changing technologies.
Speaking to reporters after the day-long PanIIT Summit organised by IIT alumni, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu elaborated on his idea of deep tech and how he is planning to take AI into high schools.
“AI will be taught in the schools from class 6,” he said, explaining the importance of deep tech and development.
To a specific question from THE WEEK on Andhra’s plans for a specific curriculum for AI and deep tech, he said, “already IIT Hyderabad prepared the curriculum for the engineering colleges. We will ask them to come up with a syllabus for high school for AI. Already our Prime Minister has announced one crore for AI learning in schools. In that, we are planning to spend ₹50 lakhs in the initial stages. Already we have spent ₹30-40 lakhs for the new syllabus,” he explained.
Stating that AI in high schools will be introduced from the next academic year, he said the idea is to begin preparing students much earlier, rather than waiting until they enter college. AI, automation, and emerging technologies will become part of the learning ecosystem, with students being given opportunities to understand and use new technologies as part of their education,” he noted.
Emphasising on updating the entire approach to education, Naidu pointed out at the importance of connecting education with industry, while delivering the valedictory speech at the PanIIT Summit in Vijaywada earlier.
