Assam Introduces AI, Sign Language, and Financial Literacy as Electives for Higher Secondary Students
Why in News?
- The Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) has announced the introduction of three new elective subjects—Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Literacy, and Sign Language—for Higher Secondary (HS) students starting from the academic session 2025–26. This initiative aims to equip students with essential skills for the modern world, promote inclusivity, and enhance overall educational outcomes.
Important Key Points:
-
Launch of AI Training Program:
Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu inaugurated a three-day residential AI training program for school teachers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. During the event, a specially curated AI textbook, developed collaboratively by experts from IIT Guwahati and Dibrugarh University, was released. -
Curriculum Integration:
The new elective subjects will be available to students across Arts, Science, and Commerce streams in Class XI from the 2025–26 academic session, and subsequently in Class XII from 2026–27. -
Teacher Training and Resources:
Teachers for these subjects will receive specialized training. For instance, training for AI will be provided at IIT Guwahati, while sign language instruction will be facilitated by educators with a B.Ed. in special education. -
Comprehensive Educational Reforms:
In addition to introducing new electives, the Education Minister chaired a review meeting focusing on various educational initiatives, including the distribution of bicycles to Class IX students, implementation of the Chief Minister’s Nijut Moina Scheme, free admission drives, and the upgradation of Bodo-medium ME English schools into Model High Schools.
