The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to launch a series of free online artificial intelligence (AI) bootcamps for both students and teachers starting this September. These upcoming sessions will focus on a mix of learning, mentorship, and recognition opportunities.

CBSE will conduct free online AI bootcamps for Classes 9 and 10 in four phases—September 1–17, October 6–17, November 3–18, and December 1–16. Schools have been asked to register students, who are advised to join using a desktop or laptop to participate in hands-on activities. Access links will be sent to registered email IDs, and CBSE has shared a dedicated email for logistical support.

IBM-supported capacity-building programmes (CBPs) have been scheduled for teachers handling AI in Classes 11 and 12, especially in schools introducing the subject from 2025–26. The Class 11 sessions will be held on September 2–4 and October 8–10, while the Class 12 sessions are set for September 15–17 and October 22–24, from 3 pm to 6 pm. The programmes are free, with invitation links to be shared a week in advance. Schools have been asked to nominate teachers who have not previously attended such training.

To promote innovation and classroom practices, CBSE—along with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission, NIELIT, the Ministry of Education, and Intel India—will host the India AI Impact Festival 2025 under the theme “AI Innovation for Social Impact.” Entries are invited in three categories: Impact Creators (students, including an AI for Accessibility sub-category), Impact Shapers (educators), and Impact Nurturers (institutions). The last date for submissions is August 31, with shortlisted participants to receive expert mentoring.

CBSE has directed affiliated schools to circulate notices, nominate teachers for the CBPs, and register students for the bootcamps to ensure that classroom capability and platform-based recognition advance together. Regional offices and school heads have been instructed to ensure wide dissemination and compliance, with CBSE emphasising its aim to integrate AI across subjects rather than treat it as a niche elective.

(With TOI inputs)