As part of the Digital India 2025 mission, the Indian government has announced a nationwide AI Lab Launch in Schools, starting with over 10,000 K-12 institutions across the country. This move aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) education into the core learning structure of school students from an early age, empowering the next generation with skills of the future.
The AI Lab Launch in Schools is not just a curriculum update—it is a foundational shift in how technology, creativity, and problem-solving are taught in classrooms. This step is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and focuses on digital empowerment, critical thinking, and future-ready skills.
Key Objectives Behind the AI Lab Launch in Schools
The primary objective of the AI Lab Launch in Schools is to democratize AI education by making it accessible to students from both urban and rural areas. The government aims to build a solid talent pool that can contribute to India’s growing digital economy.
Core goals of the initiative include:
-
Introduce AI concepts to students from Grade 6 onwards
-
Provide hands-on training in machine learning, robotics, and data science
-
Encourage design thinking and algorithmic problem-solving
-
Enable participation in national and global AI innovation contests
-
Create a tech-oriented academic environment in public and private schools
The AI Lab Launch in Schools ensures that students aren’t just consumers of technology but become creators and innovators at a young age.
Facilities and Curriculum Under the AI Lab Program
The labs under the AI Lab Launch in Schools are being funded and supported by both central and state governments in partnership with private technology companies. These labs will offer a fully equipped, interactive space with modern tools and devices.
AI lab components will include:
-
High-speed internet-enabled computer systems
-
Open-source AI software and programming kits
-
Visual learning modules and AI-powered simulations
-
Basic robotics kits and 3D printers (for higher grades)
-
LED panels and smart boards for demonstration purposes
The curriculum under the AI Lab Launch in Schools will cover topics such as:
-
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
-
Natural Language Processing
-
Image and Speech Recognition
-
Predictive Analysis
-
Ethical Use of AI
This will be supported by activity-based learning, mini-projects, and real-world problem-solving exercises.
Eligibility and Implementation Plan
The AI Lab Launch in Schools program is open to all CBSE, ICSE, and state board-affiliated schools that have at least 100 enrolled students in Grades 6 to 12. Special focus is being placed on government and rural schools to ensure no digital divide.
Eligibility criteria:
-
School must have minimum basic infrastructure (classrooms, electricity, and internet)
-
Willingness to allocate a dedicated lab space
-
Availability of at least two trained teachers or willingness to undergo government training
-
Digital literacy among staff and willingness to adopt NEP 2020 guidelines
Timeline and State-Wise Rollout Progress
The AI Lab Launch in Schools initiative is already in motion in several states, with full-scale rollouts planned by the end of 2025. Teacher training sessions and curriculum integration have already begun.
| State | Schools Approved | Labs Set Up (as of June 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 1,500 | 950 |
| Maharashtra | 1,200 | 820 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,000 | 700 |
| Delhi NCR | 800 | 660 |
| Tamil Nadu | 750 | 590 |
These numbers reflect the rapid adoption and success of the AI Lab Launch in Schools under the Digital India 2025 mission.
FAQs
What is the AI Lab Launch in Schools program?
The AI Lab Launch in Schools is a government initiative to introduce artificial intelligence education in Grades 6–12 as part of the Digital India 2025 mission.
Which schools are eligible to receive AI labs?
All CBSE, ICSE, and state board-affiliated schools with the necessary infrastructure and trained teachers can apply under the AI Lab Launch in Schools.
What topics will be covered in the AI curriculum?
The AI Lab Launch in Schools curriculum includes AI basics, machine learning, robotics, ethical use of AI, natural language processing, and data science fundamentals.
Will rural schools also benefit from this initiative?
Yes, special priority is being given to rural and government schools to ensure equitable access under the AI Lab Launch in Schools.
When will the AI labs be operational?
The setup of AI labs under the AI Lab Launch in Schools began in early 2025, and most participating schools are expected to be fully equipped by December 2025.
Click here to know more.