The Punjab government has approved major changes to the school curriculum, with artificial intelligence (AI) education set to become part of learning from Class I to Class XII.

The new curriculum aims to move schools away from traditional rote learning and towards concept-based and technology-assisted education. The government also plans to introduce AI laboratories and digital learning resources to help students develop technology skills from an early age.

The decision was taken during a special meeting on education reforms chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Officials from the Punjab Education Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) presented details of the proposed curriculum changes.

Punjab to Introduce AI Education from Class I Under New School Curriculum

One of the biggest changes is the planned introduction of AI education across all school levels. The programme will start from Class I and continue through Class XII.

The chief minister has directed education authorities to prepare a dedicated AI curriculum and develop laboratories to support practical learning. This means students could begin learning basic AI concepts during their early school years instead of encountering the technology only at higher education levels.

The AI curriculum will need to be designed according to students’ ages and learning abilities. Younger students are expected to be introduced to basic concepts, while older students could move towards more advanced topics and practical applications.

Teacher training will also be important for the programme. Schools will need teachers who understand AI and can explain its concepts in a simple and useful way.

AI Labs and Digital Learning

The government also plans to make technology a larger part of everyday classroom learning. New textbooks are expected to include QR codes that students can scan to access video lessons related to different topics.

These digital resources could give students another way to understand difficult concepts outside the traditional classroom. However, their effectiveness will depend on access to smartphones, computers, internet services and other digital resources.

The proposed AI laboratories could provide students with opportunities to learn through practical activities instead of relying only on textbooks.

Lighter Textbooks

Alongside AI education, the government plans to reduce the volume of textbooks by 25%.

The reduction is intended to lower the academic burden on students and support a shift away from memorising large amounts of information. The focus will instead be on understanding concepts, developing critical thinking and encouraging innovation.

The new curriculum will cover subjects such as English, mathematics, Urdu, social studies and early childhood education.

The government plans to complete the printing of the new textbooks before March next year.
 

More Teacher Training

The reforms also include a stronger focus on teacher training. The government has agreed in principle to dedicate one day each week to teacher training.

Authors of the new textbooks are expected to train teachers on how to use the revised material in classrooms. This could help teachers understand the new curriculum and adopt more technology-based teaching methods.

The Punjab government has already reported progress in English language training, with 35,000 teachers from 31 tehsils in 12 districts completing the programme.

Focus on Digital Skills

The planned AI education programme is part of a broader effort to increase digital literacy among students in Punjab.

Introducing AI at school level could help students become familiar with technologies that are increasingly being used in education, business, software development and other industries.

However, implementing the programme across Punjab’s large school system will require suitable laboratories. It also requires trained teachers, updated learning material and reliable access to digital technology.

The success of the AI initiative will therefore depend not only on adding AI to the curriculum but also on how effectively schools can deliver practical and age-appropriate technology education.

The new curriculum represents a major shift towards technology-assisted education in Punjab, with AI becoming part of students’ learning journey from the first year of school.