Karnataka Introduces AI as NSQF Vocational Subject for Classes 9 & 10; Hindi Teachers’ Union Opposes Move

Karnataka Education: The Department of School Education and Literacy of Karnataka State, through Samagra Shikshana Karnataka (SSK), has included Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a vocational subject for Classes 9 and 10 according to National Skill Qualifications Framework (NSQF). This decision has been implemented in all government high schools numbering 1,642 in the 2026–27 academic session whereby secondary school students are given an option to study NSQF skill subject instead of third languages such as Hindi, Sanskrit, and Urdu. The NSQF curriculum is intended to develop key technical skills for the 21st century by equipping students with the required knowledge on machine learning, data management, and problem-solving techniques. 

In order to ensure proper teaching of the curriculum, SSK has made it mandatory for the schools adopting it to recruit AI guest teachers who must have qualifications in computer science or information technology. On the other hand, the new policy has been met with considerable resistance especially from teachers' associations such as Karnataka State High School Hindi Teachers' Association. The opponents argue that the decision poses a threat to multilingual education because opting for AI instead of third language compromises the jobs of language teachers because of reduced enrollment.

Key Highlights of the AI Curriculum Rollout

• Coverage: Adopted by 1,642 high schools under the government in Karnataka.

• Transition from Traditional Vocational Subjects: Substitutes existing vocational streams (such as retail, apparels, and beauty & wellness) in 81 one-stream schools.

• Hiring of Teachers: Schools are advised to hire AI guest faculty members who hold degree qualifications such as BCA, B.Sc Computer Science/IT, or equivalents on a monthly basis.

• Academic Synergy: The AI track within NSQF framework will provide students scope for continued technical learning in Pre-University (PU) courses.

Concerns Raised by Teachers' & School Associations

This decision has been opposed by the Karnataka State High School Hindi Teachers' Association, along with other organizations for private schools:

• Three Languages Policy: The protesters claim that replacing the third language (which could be Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Tamil, or Telugu) with AI is detrimental to multilingual education.  

• Teacher Reassignment: Language teachers were worried about the uncertainty and possibility of reassignment because of the low enrollment in third languages.  

• Alternative Solution: The associations have requested the state government to teach AI instead of the third language.  

• Government Response: Officials from the education department have informed the language teachers that they won’t be forcibly reassigned since the third language will still be taught in the lower classes and non-NSQF courses.

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