CBSE AI Curriculum Guide 2025 (Classes 9–12) | AI Subject Code 417 & 843, Syllabus, Marks & Careers
April 7, 2026
CBSE Skill Education (Kaushal Bodh) for Classes 6–8
April 9, 2026
CBSE Skill Education, Kaushal Bodh, Coding, IT & AI CT Explained (2026): Complete Clarity for Schools, Teachers & Parents
Introduction: Why There Is So Much Confusion Today
Over the last two years, CBSE has introduced multiple major reforms related to Skill Education, Vocational Learning, Coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Computational Thinking (CT).
As a result, many schools, teachers, and parents are confused about:
- Is coding compulsory in Kaushal Bodh?
- Is IT / ICT mandatory?
- Why were coding classes allowed earlier for Class Vito VIII?
- Why were CBSE skill certificates generated earlier?
- What changed after 2025–26?
- How is AI‑CT different from Kaushal Bodh?
This article provides complete, official, up‑to‑date clarity based on CBSE circulars, NCERT textbooks, NEP 2020, and NCF‑SE 2023, explained in simple language.
What Is CBSE Skill Education? (The Big Picture)
CBSE Skill Education is an umbrella term used over different phases of reform.
Phase 1: Skill Education (Before 2025)
- Focus on technology‑oriented skills
- Included IT, Coding, Artificial Intelligence, Data Skills
- Schools opted for skill subjects
- CBSE issued teacher training certificates
- Coding classes for Class VI were permitted under this model
Phase 2: Skill Education Re‑imagined (2025 onwards)
- Introduction of Kaushal Bodh
- Introduction of AI‑CT (Computational Thinking & AI)
- Clear separation between:
- Vocational & Life Skills
- Thinking & Digital Literacy
CBSE did not cancel skill education—it restructured it.
What Is Kaushal Bodh Skill Education?
Kaushal Bodh is the new mandatory Skill Education subject for Classes VI–VIII starting from academic year 2025–26.
Key Features of Kaushal Bodh
- Mandatory for all CBSE schools
- Based on NCERT Kaushal Bodh Activity Books
- Focuses on work‑based, experiential learning
- Assessed through projects, observation, portfolios
- No written exam
Time Allocation
- Approx. 110 hours per year
- About 2 double‑periods per week
The Three Mandatory Domains of Kaushal Bodh
CBSE has fixed only three domains, and all projects must come from these:
-
Work with Living Things
- Kitchen gardening
- Biodiversity registers
- Plant care
- Environmental projects
- Agriculture‑based learning
-
Work with Materials & Machines
- Craft work
- Repair & making
- Use of simple tools
- Design thinking using physical materials
- Traditional and modern making skills
-
Work in Human Services
- Cooking without fire
- Health & hygiene
- First aid
- Community services
- School museum, awareness campaigns
There is NO fourth domain called IT, ICT, Coding, or AI.
Is IT / ICT / Coding Compulsory in Kaushal Bodh?
Clear Answer: NO
CBSE does NOT require IT, ICT, or Coding in Kaushal Bodh Skill Education.
Why This Confusion Exists
Because:
- Earlier CBSE Skill Education included Coding
- Some Kaushal Bodh projects allow digital tools
- Schools assume digital = compulsory IT
- AI‑CT was announced separately later
The Correct Position
- IT / ICT / Coding is NOT a compulsory component of Kaushal Bodh
- Manual, physical, and community‑based work is central
Digital tools may be used optionally, not mandated
How Digital Tools May Be Used (Optional, Not Mandatory)
In Kaushal Bodh, students may use technology ONLY as a supporting tool, such as:
- Typing project reports
- Creating posters or presentations
- Making simple animations (optional)
- Recording data digitally
This does not convert Kaushal Bodh into a Computer or IT subject.
Then Where Does Coding Belong Now?
This is where AI‑CT comes in.
What Is AI‑CT (Artificial Intelligence & Computational Thinking)?
In April 2026, CBSE launched a new national curriculum called:
Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Applicability
- Classes III to VIII
- Roll‑out from 2026–27
Purpose
To develop:
- Logical reasoning
- Problem‑solving
- Pattern recognition
- Algorithmic thinking
- Awareness of AI in daily life
- Ethics, safety, and responsible technology use
This Is Where:
- Coding
- Logic
- AI concepts
- Data thinking
officially belong now.
Kaushal Bodh vs AI CT
“I Taught Coding to Class VI Earlier and Got a CBSE Certificate – What Was That?”
This is a very valid question.
The Truth (Important)
You were teaching under the OLD CBSE Skill Education framework, which:
- Allowed Coding / IT / AI as skill subjects
- Issued CBSE certificates
- Was officially recognised
Your certificate is genuine and valid You did nothing wrong
What Changed?
CBSE restructured skill education, not invalidated earlier programs.
Your coding classes were:
- CBSE‑approved
- Skill Education (earlier model)
Not Kaushal Bodh (which came later)
Does Your Old Coding Experience Still Matter?
Absolutely YES.
Your experience:
- Aligns perfectly with AI‑CT
- Supports digital components of Kaushal Bodh
- Strengthens your teacher profile
In fact, teachers with prior coding experience are ideal candidates for AI‑CT implementation
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Coding is not compulsory.
Only optionally, as a tool—not as a requirement.
No. AI belongs to the AI CT curriculum, not Kaushal Bodh.
Animation is an optional project example, not mandatory IT education.
Yes, Classes VI–VIII will learn both:
• Kaushal Bodh (vocational)
• AI CT (thinking & AI literacy)
No traditional exams—assessment is competency based.
What Schools Should Do Now (Best Practice)
- Clearly separate Kaushal Bodh and AI‑CT
- Avoid forcing coding into Kaushal Bodh
- Train teachers separately for both
- Communicate clearly with parents
- Focus on quality projects, not screen time
Final One‑Line Clarity (You May Quote This)
Coding and IT are NOT compulsory in Kaushal Bodh Skill Education.
They belonged to earlier CBSE Skill programs and now officially fall under the AI‑CT curriculum.
