Grade Nine Artificial Intelligence Curriculum Handbook of CBSE: A Short Document Review

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has brought out the "Artificial Intelligence Curriculum" as facilitators' sourcebook curated with support from Intel India experts 'to equip the next generation with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an 'AI-driven world'

The 110-odd page document meant for grade nine being called '‘AI Facilitator Handbook’ has been introduced as an optional subject by a few schools is meant to seen 'as a road map for students to navigate the complexities of AI with confidence and creativity' and is designed 'to inspire students to not only understand AI but

also to leverage it to drive positive social change.'

The book in its preface states, "In the rapidly evolving landscape of the global digital economy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as the cornerstone of future innovation and growth...AI not just as a technological advancement but as an opportunity to foster inclusive economic growth and social development.

The preface also claims that the CBSE Grade IX AI Curriculum 2024-25 has the following Key features

• Enhanced Content: Concepts are presented with further elaboration and fresh examples to facilitate deeper engagement and comprehension.

• Real-Life Examples: Additional real-world scenarios are integrated to offer clearer explanations, making complex AI concepts accessible to students.

• AI enabled social impact solutions: Students are encouraged to develop AI solutions for social impact in a straightforward manner, fostering understanding and

empowerment.

• Use of Case Walkthroughs: Practical implementation of AI concepts is demonstrated across various domains, enabling students to grasp their real-world applications.

CBSE Grade IX AI Curriculum 2024-25 has 4 Units like: AI Reflection, Project Cycle and Ethics; Basics of Data Literacy; Math for AI (Statistics & Probability)and Introduction to Generative AI to be completed in 150 hours. Units 1 to 3 have 3 sub-units and 28 topics

Since, it is teacher source book, it needs to converted in textual material on each topic coupled with the learning material at the school level to transfer training to classroom processes.

The school based development of textual material along with at least 10 practical exercises in the AI lab would be required for a reasonable transaction of AI course at the school level. The ready made textbooks won't serve the purpose since they lead to textbook based rote learning.

As a downward extension of the AI course at secondary level, the CBSE has the affiliated schools to create 12-hour modules for AI-literacy and ethical use of the technology.