Uttar Pradesh To Introduce Mandatory AI Training For Class 9-12 Students In Vocational Schools

Uttar Pradesh is set to make artificial intelligence a compulsory part of vocational education in government secondary schools, with nearly 2 lakh students expected to study the AI for All course from the 2026-27 academic session.

The decision will apply to students of Classes 9 to 12 studying under Project Praveen in 1,200 government secondary schools, where vocational training in multiple trades is already underway.

AI For All To Be Introduced Across 1,200 Government Secondary Schools

The state government has decided to make the AI for All course mandatory for students enrolled in vocational education programmes under Project Praveen, marking the first time an artificial intelligence curriculum will be compulsory across all trades in UP's government secondary schools.

At present, students in Classes 9 to 12 in these 1,200 schools receive skill training in a variety of vocational streams. From the 2026-27 academic session, a dedicated AI module will now become a compulsory part of that learning framework for all students under the scheme.

Four-Hour Special AI Course Mandatory For Students And Instructors

The government has made a special four-hour AI course compulsory for both students and instructors under the programme. The new module will be introduced as part of the vocational training structure already being implemented in government schools.

Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister of State (Independent Charge) Kapil Dev Agarwal said, "It is very important that students are given knowledge of AI, which is the technology of the future."

He said that students studying in the 1,200 government secondary schools where Project Praveen is being run will be trained to become proficient in the use of artificial intelligence.

Agarwal added that the government has taken the decision to make the AI for All course compulsory in vocational training programmes for students of Classes 9 to 12 in government secondary schools from the 2026-27 academic session.

Existing 210-Hour Skill Training Programme To Now Include AI Learning

The move is part of a wider effort to introduce students to the use of modern technologies within Uttar Pradesh's school education system. Under Project Praveen, students are already being offered a 210-hour free skill development training programme.

This programme currently provides vocational training in sectors such as IT, beauty and healthcare, and electronics. With the latest decision, students will now also be taught a four-hour AI for All course alongside their existing skill-based curriculum.

Mission Director Pulkit Khare said, "By equipping students with knowledge of cutting-edge technology, the foundation of their future will be strengthened."

Officials believe that early exposure to artificial intelligence will help students better understand how emerging technologies are reshaping workplaces and industries.

Customised AI Modules Prepared For IT, Healthcare, Tailoring And Other Job Roles

To make the programme more practical and relevant, the government has developed a customised four-hour AI module for several key vocational roles, keeping in mind both student interest and market demand.

These customised modules have been prepared for job roles such as IT, customer care executive, tailoring, healthcare, digital mitra, and other important trades being taught under Project Praveen.

The aim is to help students understand the practical application of AI in their respective fields, so that they can learn not only the basics of the technology but also how it can be used in real work environments linked to their vocational training.

With this move, Uttar Pradesh is looking to strengthen the future readiness of government school students by combining traditional skill training with exposure to one of the most important technologies shaping tomorrow's workforce.