Belagavi: The school education and literacy department is set to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in 142 government schools across Belagavi and Chikodi educational districts from the current academic year. The initiative is being rolled out as a pilot project, with its success expected to pave the way for expansion to more government schools in the coming years.Officials said the programme aims to equip students with emerging technology skills and prepare them for a digital future. Early exposure to AI is expected to foster innovation, strengthen problem-solving abilities and improve digital literacy among students.According to department officials, AI education will focus on developing logical thinking, creativity, technical competence and analytical skills rather than rote learning. In the first phase, the programme will be introduced for students from classes 9 to 12. The objective is to help students understand the fundamentals of AI and apply technology-driven solutions to real-world problems.Of the 142 schools selected, 74 are in the Chikodi educational district, including 40 PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) schools and 34 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS). In Belagavi educational district, AI education will be introduced in 68 schools, comprising five PM SHRI schools and 63 KPS institutions.The department is working to ensure adequate infrastructure, including computers, software, internet connectivity and practical learning facilities. Plans are also under way to develop AI laboratory infrastructure, curriculum frameworks and teaching guidelines. Officials said ensuring technology access, particularly in rural schools, will be crucial to the programme’s success.A key feature of the initiative is that Class-9 students can opt for AI as an alternative to a third language. The move is expected to give students greater flexibility in choosing subjects aligned with their interests and career aspirations. Exposure to AI at the school level is also expected to encourage interest in fields such as computer science, data science, robotics and software technology.To support the programme, teachers with diplomas and degrees in computer science, information technology and related disciplines are being recruited under the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). Deputy director of the school education and literacy department Leelavati Hiremath said the recruitment of 68 teachers is in its final stages, and regular training will be provided to keep them updated in the rapidly evolving field.Zilla panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde said priority has been given to implementing AI education effectively and that the programme will be expanded to more schools in the coming phases.
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