Overview
- The Punjab government launched the Sarbat.AI programme on Wednesday, July 22, announcing that AI will be a mandatory subject across Classes I–XII and calling the state the first in India to do so.
- Rollout will be phased: Phase I integrates AI into Computer Science for Classes VIII–XII and Phase II will expand age‑appropriate AI instruction to Classes I–VII.
- Officials say the plan targets about 25,172 schools and nearly 3.15 million students, with 12,424 Computer Science teachers leading Phase I and progressive training for over 200,000 teachers.
- The curriculum is presented as aligned with international best practice and UNESCO’s Ethical AI Framework and will be delivered via live and recorded classes, project work, continuous assessment, and a learning management system.
- Technology and training partners named include Neeev AI, FA‑AI, Google, Intel and Canva, though reporting so far does not yet provide independent verification of funding, exact classroom start dates, or measurable outcome targets.