Campus Times | Lucknow

In a major push toward future-ready education, the Uttar Pradesh government has made the ‘AI for All’ course compulsory for secondary school students under Project Praveen. Starting from the academic session 2026–27, nearly two lakh students from classes 9 to 12 across 1,200 government schools will receive structured training in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This marks the first time AI education will be mandatory across all vocational trades, signaling a strong shift toward integrating emerging technologies into school-level learning.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Kapil Dev Agarwal emphasized the importance of equipping students with knowledge of AI, calling it essential for future careers. He stated that the initiative aims to make students skilled in using AI tools across different sectors.

AI Meets Skill Development

Under Project Praveen, students are already undergoing a 210-hour free vocational training program in fields like IT, Electronics, Beauty & Healthcare. Now, the AI for All course has been integrated into this framework, enhancing its relevance in today’s tech-driven world.

A special four-hour AI module has been made compulsory for both students and trainers, ensuring foundational understanding along with practical exposure.

Focus on Real-World Skills

According to Mission Director Pulkit Khare, the initiative is designed to strengthen students’ future by building skills like problem-solving, creative thinking, and data analysis. The course will also introduce practical AI applications in job roles such as Customer Care, Digital Media, Healthcare, and Tailoring.

Teachers to Be Trained by Experts

To ensure effective implementation, instructors will be trained by AI experts. A dedicated online workshop is scheduled on March 28 at the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission office in Lucknow, where teachers will receive hands-on training in AI tools and applications under the supervision of Assistant Director ITI, Dr. Pavitra Tandon.

A Step Toward Future Careers

By introducing AI education at the school level, Uttar Pradesh is laying a strong foundation for students to adapt to rapidly evolving job markets. The move is expected to bridge the gap between traditional education and modern technological demands, making students industry-ready from an early stage.