Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) are jointly planning to introduce robotics and AI as courses for classes IX to XII. IIT Delhi said on Saturday that it has tied up with CISCE to design a curriculum for schools on emerging technologies that include robotics, AI, ML and data science. The curriculum will be introduced to the schools affiliated with the board. A memorandum has been signed between the technology innovation hub of the institute- IIT Delhi’s I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC) and CISCE. 

Gerry Arathoon, the chief executive and secretary of CISCE, highlighted the need to introduce contemporary subjects at the school level. He stated that the board has always strived to provide students with a wide variety of subject choices, catering to their interests and capabilities while addressing the current requirements. Therefore, it is with the objective that CISCE plans to introduce AI and robotics in classes IX and X in ICSE and classes XI and XII at ISC levels. 

Officials said that IHFC would help CISCE cut the syllabus to reinforce 21st-century skills and execute the aspects of National Education Policy 2020 for students studying the affiliated schools of the board. In addition, the officials stated that they have a plan to revamp the current STEM courses in line with the NEP 2020 launched by the Union Ministry. 

Ashutosh Dutt Sharma, CEO of IHFC, emphasized the need to build the country’s capability in robotics and other emerging technologies. He said that the IHFC endeavors to reflect the principles of experiential learning and theory aspects while developing the curriculum. He added that the IHFC may play a key role in executing the same in more than 2700 schools affiliated with the CISCE and providing guidance to implement it. 

The project director of IHFC, Prof. SK Saha, stated that nurturing teamwork, innovation and knowledge to bridge the gaps between young engineering students and potential future robot enthusiasts is a prime aspect of the project’s vision.