GUWAHATI: In Assam, subjects like Hindi and Arabic are surprisingly finding more takers among school students than artificial intelligence. AI was introduced along with robotics in state-run schools this year with an aim to modernise the curriculum, aligning it with global technological advancements.
Though expectations were high, only about 500 of the 4.28 lakh registered Class IX students have opted for AI and robotics so far.
The Board of Secondary Education, Assam (Seba) is offering AI and robotics as an elective subject to students of Class IX to begin with. With the deadline for registration for the 2026 state board exam nearing its mid-June cutoff, various districts are now promoting AI among students through workshops, emphasising its global demand and promising opportunities.
“We expect more students to opt for it in the days to come, though 500 is not a bad start,” Seba chairperson RC Jain said, adding that efforts are on to increase the registration for the subject.
He said govt has no plans of appointing new teachers specifically to teach AI and robotics. “Existing teachers will have to come forward to get trained to teach the subject in schools,” Jain added.
Seba officials said among elective subjects, Hindi (about 2 lakh students have opted for it) remains the most sought after, followed by geography (around 80,000) and Arabic (around 70,000).
“In the first year of its introduction, the number of students choosing AI and robotics may be under 1,000 but we hope that it will soon become more popular. This subject is sure to arouse interest making students pursue science and engineering in the future,” Seba controller of examinations, NJ Sarmah, said.
A seminar on AI and robotics was held recently at BH College, Howly. Organised by SEBA’s regional office (Barpeta) and the Academic Council of Barpeta and Bajali district, in collaboration with BH College, the event saw the participation of principals and head teachers of various educational institutions from Barpeta and Bajali districts.
“The primary objective of the seminar was to encourage students to opt for AI and robotics and to ensure that teachers are well informed and prepared to teach cutting-edge topics,” the DPO of Samagra Siksha (Barpeta), Niranjan Ojah, said.
One of the highlights of the seminar was the inauguration of an AI-powered application created by Prasenjit Sarma named Assamese Lesson Plan Creator. This innovative app has been designed to help teachers create lesson plans in the Assamese language, integrating AI technology with everyday educational practices.
Inaugurating the app, additional district commissioner (education) Jayanta Bora had said, “This app will revolutionise the teaching-learning process for the teachers of Assam as it can help create lesson plans for various subjects in the Assamese language.”
This marks a significant step towards incorporating advanced educational tools and modern subjects into Assam’s curriculum.
Though expectations were high, only about 500 of the 4.28 lakh registered Class IX students have opted for AI and robotics so far.
The Board of Secondary Education, Assam (Seba) is offering AI and robotics as an elective subject to students of Class IX to begin with. With the deadline for registration for the 2026 state board exam nearing its mid-June cutoff, various districts are now promoting AI among students through workshops, emphasising its global demand and promising opportunities.
“We expect more students to opt for it in the days to come, though 500 is not a bad start,” Seba chairperson RC Jain said, adding that efforts are on to increase the registration for the subject.
He said govt has no plans of appointing new teachers specifically to teach AI and robotics. “Existing teachers will have to come forward to get trained to teach the subject in schools,” Jain added.
Seba officials said among elective subjects, Hindi (about 2 lakh students have opted for it) remains the most sought after, followed by geography (around 80,000) and Arabic (around 70,000).
“In the first year of its introduction, the number of students choosing AI and robotics may be under 1,000 but we hope that it will soon become more popular. This subject is sure to arouse interest making students pursue science and engineering in the future,” Seba controller of examinations, NJ Sarmah, said.
A seminar on AI and robotics was held recently at BH College, Howly. Organised by SEBA’s regional office (Barpeta) and the Academic Council of Barpeta and Bajali district, in collaboration with BH College, the event saw the participation of principals and head teachers of various educational institutions from Barpeta and Bajali districts.
“The primary objective of the seminar was to encourage students to opt for AI and robotics and to ensure that teachers are well informed and prepared to teach cutting-edge topics,” the DPO of Samagra Siksha (Barpeta), Niranjan Ojah, said.
One of the highlights of the seminar was the inauguration of an AI-powered application created by Prasenjit Sarma named Assamese Lesson Plan Creator. This innovative app has been designed to help teachers create lesson plans in the Assamese language, integrating AI technology with everyday educational practices.
Inaugurating the app, additional district commissioner (education) Jayanta Bora had said, “This app will revolutionise the teaching-learning process for the teachers of Assam as it can help create lesson plans for various subjects in the Assamese language.”
This marks a significant step towards incorporating advanced educational tools and modern subjects into Assam’s curriculum.