CBSE to add AI, Yoga as new subjects

• The CBSE is introducing artificial intelligence as an optional 6th subject at Class IX from the session 2019-2020 onwards.
• The board has also decided to introduce yoga and early childhood education as elective subjects at senior secondary level.

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI), early childhood care education and yoga as new subjects in school curriculum from the upcoming academic session, an official said.

A decision to introduce the three subjects was taken at a recent meeting of the board’s governing body, he said.

“The CBSE is introducing artificial intelligence as an optional 6th subject at Class IX from the session 2019-2020 onwards. To enhance the multidisciplinary approach in teaching learning and also to sensitize the new generation, it was decided that schools may start AI “inspire module” of 12 hours at Class VIII itself,” the senior board official said.

He said the board has also decided to introduce yoga and early childhood education as elective subjects at senior secondary level.

“The decision was taken considering the demand of schools supplemented by various reports that projected the huge requirement of yoga professionals and early childhood educators,” the official said.

As per norms, a skill subject, at secondary level, may be offered as additional sixth subject along with the existing five compulsory subjects. And if a student fails in any one of the three elective subjects (science, mathematics and social science), then it will be replaced by the skill subject (offered as a 6th subject) and the result of Class X will be computed based on best five subjects.

However, if a student desires to reappear in the failed subject, he or she may appear along with the compartment examination.

Similarly, at senior secondary level, the board has advised schools to offer at least one or more skill-based subject as elective subject out of the 42 subjects.

“The board will provide necessary support and guidance towards training and capacity building of teachers and other aspects for the successful implementation of skill subjects from time to time,” the official added.