The Karnataka school education department has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) as a vocational subject for students in classes 9 and 10 under the
National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). The subject has been introduced as a third language. The programme is being implemented by Samagra Shikshana Karnataka (SSK), Karnataka, to equip students with 21st-century skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, technical knowledge, and employability. Upon approval from the Project Approval Board, AI will be introduced as a vocational subject in 1,642 government high schools, 381 NSQF schools, and 81 existing single-sector schools. It should be noted that, in the 81 schools, subjects such as beauty and wellness, retail and apparel will be replaced by AI.
SSK Directs Schools to Appoint AI Guest Teacher
According to an official notice released by SSK, schools have been directed to appoint one AI guest teacher for the academic year 2026-27 at an honorarium of Rs 20,000 per month. A selection committee headed by the school development and monitoring committee will be formed for the recruitment process.
Eligible candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in computer applications, computer science or information technology, a diploma in computer science or information technology, or a postgraduate diploma in computer applications.
The candidates should also possess at least one year of work experience and proficiency in the local language and English.
State High School Hindi Teachers’ Association Opposes Move
However, the decision to introduce AI as a vocational subject has received opposition from the Karnataka State High School Hindi Teachers’ Association. The association has urged the department to retain the existing three-language policy and opposed the redeployment of teachers.
The Additional Chief Secretary, Rashmi V Mahesh, said that the third language will be taught in flagship schools in the lower classes. She also noted that there is high demand for future-aligned skills among the students of flagship schools such as KPS.
She highlighted that AI is being introduced in the school curriculum as a vocational/skill subject under NSQF. ‘As per existing rules, students can take either an NSQF subject or third language. Here, we are facilitating students to develop emerging skill competencies, which can also be continued in I and II PU through an AI NSQF-aligned course,’ she said.
Addressing the concern related to the transfers of teachers, she assured that there will be no transfers. Adding that private unaided schools could offer NSQF-recognised AI as a vocational course.
