Artificial Intelligence will be introduced as a formal subject in schools and colleges across Islamabad from the upcoming academic session starting in April, marking a major shift in Pakistan’s education landscape toward emerging technologies.
According to the National Curriculum Council, students from class six to class eight will be given the option to choose either computer science or Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, students from class nine to class twelve will be able to opt for Artificial Intelligence as an elective subject, allowing them to build specialized skills at the secondary and higher secondary levels.
For younger students, the subject will be introduced at an early stage. Students from nursery to class five will study Artificial Intelligence as a non-credit course, and no formal examinations will be conducted at this level. Officials said the focus for early grades will be on basic understanding rather than testing.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the National Curriculum Council has finalized and officially notified the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics curriculum for grades one to twelve. The curriculum was developed in consultation with provincial authorities to ensure alignment with national education goals.
According to officials, the curriculum is designed to equip students with essential future-ready skills. These include computational thinking, understanding intelligent systems, basic robotics, ethical use of technology, and practical problem-solving abilities. The aim is to prepare students for a technology-driven world while encouraging responsible and ethical innovation.
Implementation of the new curriculum will begin in Islamabad from April. Provinces have been given the autonomy to decide whether they will adopt the curriculum in their respective regions, in line with existing education policies.
The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has also confirmed that Artificial Intelligence will be included in its examination system, ensuring formal assessment for students who choose the subject at higher levels.
Education officials believe the move will help Pakistan bridge the digital skills gap and better prepare students for careers in technology, data science, robotics, and related fields, while also promoting critical thinking and innovation from an early age.
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