Preparing The Next Generation With AI And Coding In Schools
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In 2020, the World Economic Forum outlined eight key changes essential to reimagining education for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, encapsulated in the Education 4.0 Framework. With AI playing an increasingly prominent role, the framework highlights the need to prepare learners for a technology-driven future where adaptability and innovation are crucial.
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aligns with this global vision, emphasizing skill-based education tailored to emerging demands. By introducing AI and coding into school curricula, the policy aims to empower students with the knowledge and tools needed for a modern workforce. Programs like Atal Tinkering Labs and CBSE’s AI modules reflect the country’s focus on bridging the gap between traditional education and contemporary requirements.
Besides, to realize the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, designing next-generation learning ecosystems for embedding technology into teaching practices is imperative. The efforts must shift to creating adaptable models that integrate AI into everyday learning, enabling schools to serve as incubators for innovation while fostering a generation capable of meeting the demands of a fast-paced professional environment.
The Progress So Far
India has made significant headway in integrating AI and coding into school curricula. For example, the Uttar Pradesh government introduced coding, computational thinking, and AI in state-run schools in the 2024-25 academic session. Meanwhile, government school in Kerala’s Punalur has introduced Nova, an AI-powered humanoid teacher designed to enhance communication skills by nudging students to ask questions in multiple languages. Globally, countries like Singapore, Finland, and South Korea are advancing AI literacy through adaptive learning, personalized AI tutoring, and real-time assessment tools. These efforts inspire India to prioritize inclusivity, teacher training, and infrastructure development to bridge the opportunity gap.
Benefits and Goals of AI and Coding Education
Teaching AI and coding at the school level equips students with the tools to carve out their future. AI-based and coding projects can help enhance learners’ problem-solving abilities, logical reasoning, and creative thinking. Computational tasks, such as designing algorithms or debugging errors, encourage students to approach challenges systematically. Moreover, applying technology in real-world contexts helps students connect theoretical knowledge with tangible outcomes, enabling students to develop innovative solutions.
AI and coding education also strengthen critical thinking and digital literacy. As students engage with tools that analyze data, generate insights, or visualize information, they learn to synthesize evidence, evaluate its relevance, and construct well-reasoned arguments. These experiences shift learners from passive technology users to informed creators who can critically assess emerging trends. AI-powered platforms that personalize lessons based on individual progress encourage experimentation and analytical reasoning without fear of failure. Collaborations between schools, industries, and higher education institutions promote teamwork and problem-solving. Practical assignments like building prototypes or participating in robotics challenges provide valuable experience that mirrors workplace dynamics.
An Education that Prepares for Tomorrow
India is grappling with a substantial employability crisis, with individuals aged 15 to 29 constituting 83% of the unemployed, despite many holding secondary or tertiary education. This starkly reveals a disconnect between academic credentials and workforce readiness. Adding to the urgency, an estimated 7–8 million young workers are expected to enter the labor market annually, with a need for 115 million jobs by 2030.
The reorientation toward a tech-driven economy powered by AI and automation can transform India’s education system into an inclusive, future-ready model by integrating AI, robotics, and experiential learning into classrooms. Beyond producing job-seekers, the priority should be to empower youth as innovators and job creators in an evolving market. A well-designed monitoring framework ensures school programs remain relevant, inclusive, and forward-looking. By leveraging technology and nurturing entrepreneurship, India can prepare its students to lead and thrive, redefining education and employment paradigms for generations.
The author, Husien Dohadwalla, is Co- CEO, Crimson Schools
