Khyber Pakhtunkhwa schools to introduce AI as regular subject from grade 6

PESHAWAR: In a major step towards modernising education, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to make Artificial Intelligence (AI) a regular part of the curriculum in government schools from grades 6 to 12, starting from March 2026.

According to official documents, the province currently faces a serious shortage of infrastructure needed to teach AI effectively. A total of 5,525 IT laboratories are required across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including 225 laboratories in higher secondary schools and 3,515 in middle schools, which are presently unavailable.

Officials from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education stated that the existing computer science curriculum taught in government schools does not include AI-related topics. As a result, major revisions to the curriculum have been declared inevitable. Under the new plan, 35 to 50 percent AI-related content will be introduced across different grade levels, ensuring gradual and age-appropriate learning.

To support the effective implementation of the AI curriculum, the Education Department has also decided to recruit 7,555 IT teachers. The move aims to equip students with modern technological skills and prepare them for future academic and professional challenges in an increasingly digital world.

According to officials, the introduction of AI education is part of a broader strategy to align the province’s education system with global technological trends and improve students’ competitiveness at national and international levels.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Department confirmed that Artificial Intelligence will officially become part of the curriculum from March 2026, while work on curriculum development, teacher recruitment, and infrastructure expansion will continue in phases ahead of implementation.