Punjab to integrate AI as core subject in schools, marks to reflect on Board certificates

Chandigarh: Artificial Intelligence will be integrated and form a core component of Punjab school education, with learning outcomes in computer science to reflect on certificates, the state's school education board announced on Friday.

The announcement was made during a national-level AI conference-cum-workshop hosted by Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), which brought together policymakers, industry leaders and academicians to discuss a roadmap for classrooms.

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains described the conference as a forward-looking intervention aimed at transforming the education ecosystem, asserting that the integration of AI will play a crucial role in driving education reforms.

"It will contribute to quality improvement, innovation and the modernisation of education, ensuring that students are better prepared for the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world and global challenges," he said.

In his address, PSEB Chairman Amarpal Singh said that building on Punjab's existing compulsory computer science curriculum, AI will now be integrated as a core component of the syllabus.

"Artificial Intelligence will now be integrated as a core component of the syllabus, and learning outcomes in Computer Science will be formally reflected on students' Board certificates," the statement said, quoting him.

"The question is not whether AI will influence education, but how we can shape that influence with responsibility and foresight," Amarpal stated, adding that PSEB is committed to building an ethical foundation for AI usage to create skilled users as well as responsible digital citizens.

Heads of Haryana and J&K school education boards, Director for Training and Skill Education at CBSE Biswajit Saha and Senior Director for Asia Pacific and Japan at Intel, Shweta Khurana, were also present on the occasion.

An exhibition organised in collaboration with industry partners showcased AI-based startup projects and models, reflecting the growing ecosystem around educational innovation.

The conference also featured three focused panel discussions that examined the intersection of policy, technology, and workforce readiness.