CBSE CT and AI curriculum · Classes 3 to 8
CBSE’s new Computational Thinking and AI curriculum for Classes 3 to 8 started with the 2026-27 session, and it has to fit into a school year that is already full. Powered by Dreamtime Learning is the partner that gets your school ready: the plan, the teacher training and the parent conversation.
What’s changed
Classes 3–5
Hours a year
About 50, inside Maths and The World Around Us (TWAU) periods
Who teaches
Maths and other subject teachers
Assessed through
CT questions, puzzles, group activities and a teacher observation journal
Classes 6–8
Hours a year
About 100: 40 CT, 20 AI and 40 projects
Who teaches
Subject teachers teach CT. The computer teacher leads AI and projects.
Assessed through
Tests, practicals, projects and reflections
CBSE describes these hours as indicative.
No AI lab required
The curriculum recommends free and open-source tools, and much of the CT work is unplugged.
No board exam
Assessment is continuous and school-based, through the year.
This year’s training theme
For 2026-27, CBSE’s teacher-training theme is CT and AI.
Where we come in
01 · The challenge
From Class 3, CT is taught by Maths and other subject teachers. From Class 6, the computer teacher leads AI and projects. For many of them, this is new.
How we solve it
We train your teachers to teach CT inside their own chapters and to value the thinking process, as CBSE asks. Orientation, training and continuous professional development keep them going all year.
02 · The challenge
Classes 3 to 5 need about 50 hours a year inside Maths and TWAU periods. Classes 6 to 8 need about 100, including 20 hours of AI and 40 of project work.
How we solve it
We plan it with you, class by class: where CT sits in each chapter, where the AI hours and projects go, and the unit plans that keep the year on track.
03 · The challenge
CBSE wants continuous, school-based assessment that values the thinking process, not just the right answer. That means observation journals in Classes 3 to 5 and project rubrics in Classes 6 to 8.
How we solve it
Clear guidelines for formative and summative assessment, observation trackers, and an academic team that resolves queries as they come up.
04 · The challenge
Some will picture young children on screens. In fact, Classes 3 to 5 learn CT through puzzles and reasoning, AI starts in Class 6, and privacy and safe online behaviour are part of the syllabus.
How we solve it
We help you explain the change early and plainly, with parent engagement strategies that make children’s learning visible to families.
05 · The challenge
CBSE’s documents don’t ask for an AI lab, and much of the CT work is unplugged. You still need some device time: block-based coding in Classes 3 to 5, then AI and no-code tools in Classes 7 and 8.
How we solve it
We help you plan equipment around what the curriculum actually needs, and train teachers to deliver using technology.
06 · The challenge
CT sits with subject teachers, and AI and projects with the computer teacher. Without one lead, it slips between departments.
How we solve it
Name one lead and we work alongside them: a tailored transition plan, regular quality guidance and real-time support across academics and operations, on the ground if needed.
Your plan
Term 1 · April to September 2026
Every Class 3 to 8 teacher has the CBSE handbook for their class
One person leads CT and AI, and subject teachers and the computer teacher know who does what
Teachers have started CBSE’s CT and AI training
Term 2 · October 2026 to March 2027
CT questions used chapter by chapter, not as a separate block
The remaining Class 6 to 8 AI hours and both projects scheduled, with device time booked
Observation journals and project rubrics in use
Teachers trained, alongside CBSE’s own workshops and expert talks
Parents briefed before the second-term assessments
Before April 2027
Timetable re-planned from the hours you actually taught
Plan updated for new CBSE material, including the AI project list with rubrics that CBSE has said is coming
Check where your school stands
Run your school against this plan with our checklist, then talk to us about the gaps.
FAQ
1. Is AI mandatory from Class 3 in CBSE schools?
No. Classes 3 to 5 learn computational thinking, not AI, and AI starts in Class 6. CBSE has introduced the CT and AI curriculum for Classes 3 to 8 from 2026-27 and advises all affiliated schools to implement it.
2. Do we need a separate AI teacher or an AI lab?
No. Subject teachers teach CT, and in Classes 6 to 8 the computer teacher leads AI and projects. CBSE recommends free and open-source tools, and much of the CT work needs no computer.
3. How many hours does the CT and AI curriculum take?
About 50 hours a year in Classes 3 to 5, inside Maths and TWAU periods. About 100 hours a year in Classes 6 to 8: 40 for CT, 20 for AI and 40 for projects. CBSE calls these hours indicative.
4. How is CT and AI assessed?
In school, through the year. Classes 3 to 5 use CT questions, puzzles, group activities and a teacher observation journal. Classes 6 to 8 add tests, practicals, projects and reflections. The framework sets no separate board exam.
5. What training is available for teachers?
CT and AI is CBSE’s teacher-training theme for 2026-27, and its workshops and expert talks count towards CPD hours. Powered by Dreamtime Learning adds orientation, training and continuous professional development for your own staff.
6. What changes for Classes 9 and 10?
CBSE has discontinued its other AI courses for Class 9 from 2026-27, and Class 10 stays on the previous scheme this year. NCERT is to provide CT and AI modules for Classes 9 to 12, for internal assessment.
7. How can Powered by Dreamtime Learning help my school?
We plan the curriculum and timetable with you, train your teachers, set up assessment and help you explain the change to parents, whether you are transforming an existing school or starting a new one.
Powered by Dreamtime Learning is not affiliated with CBSE. Check the latest circulars on CBSE’s academic website.
