Punjab has completed the Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum for students from Grades 1 to 5, but its formal notification is still pending, delaying the next steps for introducing the subject in schools.
The curriculum has been prepared by the Punjab Education Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) and is designed to introduce students to AI concepts at an early age. The provincial government had earlier announced plans to make AI a compulsory subject for primary-level students.
However, the curriculum cannot move to the printing stage until it receives final approval from the Chief Minister. Education authorities have clarified that the AI curriculum will be sent for printing once the required approval is granted.
The delay has also affected the preparation of AI textbooks. Publishers have called for the syllabus to be notified as soon as possible, pointing out that only around six months remain before the new academic session begins.
Punjab had previously planned to introduce AI as a separate compulsory subject for Grades 1 to 5 from the 2027-28 academic session. The subject is expected to include age-appropriate concepts aimed at improving students’ creativity, analytical thinking, problem-solving and understanding of modern technology.
The rollout, however, faces additional challenges. Many government schools reportedly lack computer laboratories, reliable internet access and trained teachers, raising concerns about how effectively AI education can be delivered in classrooms.
Officials have previously considered an alternative approach of incorporating basic AI concepts into existing subjects if establishing dedicated AI facilities proves difficult or costly.
For now, the formal approval remains the key step required before textbook printing and wider implementation can proceed. The development highlights Punjab’s push toward introducing AI education while also showing the infrastructure and administrative challenges involved in implementing the new curriculum across thousands of schools.
