CBSE To Introduce Coding, Data Science From Classes 6 Onwards, Join Hands With Microsoft For Curriculum

In schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), classes from standard 6 onwards will offer courses in Coding and Data Science. The CBSE has collaborated with Microsoft, to create an age-appropriate curriculum. Coding will be introduced for school students of classes 6 to 8 and the Data Science course will be offered to students of classes 8 to12. These courses will be offered to students from the academic session 2021-2022 as skilling subjects.

A supplementary handbook has been developed by Microsoft in both coding and data science, along with the NCERT patterns and structures. The handbook asserts CBSE, covering real-life examples. It is also exposed to open-source platforms that will allow students to learn better in a gamified manner in all disciplines including math, languages, and social sciences while building the foundation of AI-based applications of data science.

Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank tweeted on his official Twitter handle regarding this and said, "Under NEP2020, we promised to introduce coding and data science in schools. Today, I'm happy to see CBSE fulfilling the promise right in the session of the year 2021 itself. In association with Microsoft, CBSE is empowering India's future generations with new-age skills. Kudos."

"Today's world is technology-driven and as we are transforming into a world that is mostly dependent on technology, it is important to provide skills to students and teachers across the nation to prepare them for succeeding in this digital world. The new curriculum on coding and data science developed by us in collaboration with Microsoft will equip students with future learning skills," said CBSE Chairman, Manoj Ahuja.

"Incorporating these skills such as Coding and Data Science into the school curriculum will play a major role in preparing the future workforce of India for the new world of work. These skills are actually the currencies of the future. We are deeply committed to empowering today's students to create the world of tomorrow and our collaboration with CBSE is a strong step in that direction," said Public Sector Executive Director of Microsoft India, Navtez Bal.