Kerala Leads the Way: Robotics Education Now Mandatory for Class 10 Students
Kerala has once again taken a transformative leap in education by becoming the first state in India to make robotics education compulsory for all Class 10 students. Starting from the new academic year on June 2, 2025, this groundbreaking initiative will reach over 4.3 lakh students, firmly placing Kerala at the forefront of future-focused learning.
Robotics Becomes Core to Class 10 Curriculum
As part of this pioneering effort, Kerala’s ICT (Information and Communication Technology) textbook for Grade 10 has been revamped. Robotics is now embedded in Chapter 6, titled "The World of Robots," in the first volume of the textbook. The curriculum introduces students to foundational robotics concepts through interactive, hands-on learning activities.
Students will engage in:
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Circuit building
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Sensor and actuator usage
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Programming for device control
This curriculum is more than just theoretical. It challenges students to build and innovate, making the learning process immersive and practical.
Backed by Robust Infrastructure: 29,000 Robotic Kits Distributed
To ensure smooth implementation, the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE)—the state’s technical arm under the General Education Department—has already distributed 29,000 robotic kits to high schools nationwide. These kits include essential components such as:
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Arduino breadboards
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Infrared (IR) sensors
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Servo motors
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Jumper wires
The first project students undertake involves creating a touchless automated sanitiser dispenser—an excellent entry point to exploring real-world applications of robotics.
Building on Prior Success: From AI to Robotics
This new robotics initiative follows the successful introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning in Grade 7 last year—another national first for Kerala. Building on that momentum, AI education is now included in ICT textbooks for Grades 8, 9, and 10.
The Little KITEs program largely inspired the expansion into robotics education. This IT club initiative previously piloted robotics lessons. The program provided the proof-of-concept for this broader rollout and highlighted the viability of engaging students in complex technologies from an early age.
Real-World Projects: From Sanitiser Dispensers to Smart Doors
The robotics curriculum progresses in complexity and application. After the initial task of building a sanitiser dispenser, students will work on advanced projects such as:
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AI-powered home automation systems
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Smart doors enabled with face recognition
These projects utilize the Pictoblocks programming IDE, which has a built-in face detection model. Students will use their laptops’ webcams and Arduino kits to develop and code intelligent door mechanisms, combining AI and robotics into one learning stream.
Training the Educators: A State-Wide Initiative
Recognizing the need for educator preparedness, KITE has already conducted the first phase of ICT training for 9,924 teachers. Dedicated robotics training sessions are scheduled for July 2025, ensuring teachers are fully equipped to guide students through this cutting-edge curriculum.
Furthermore, KITE plans to provide extra robotic kits to unaided schools that follow the state syllabus but may lack the resources to acquire necessary equipment. This ensures that no student is left behind due to infrastructure gaps.
Multilingual Access and Inclusive Education
To make the curriculum widely accessible, the ICT textbooks are available in Malayalam, English, Tamil, and Kannada, enabling inclusive learning across linguistic backgrounds. This is consistent with Kerala’s broader commitment to equity and access in education.
Empowering the Next Generation with Future-Ready Skills
KITE CEO and ICT Textbook Committee Chairman, K Anvar Sadath, emphasized that this move is part of Kerala’s larger vision to prepare students for real-world challenges:
“This ambitious initiative builds upon Kerala’s prior success in AI education and demonstrates our continued commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills through practical, technology-driven learning.”
He added that this program enhances students’ academic understanding and empowers them to solve practical problems using robotics and AI skills that are increasingly vital today.
Conclusion: A National Model for Educational Innovation
Kerala’s decision to embed robotics in the Class 10 curriculum sets a powerful precedent for other states. By integrating emerging technologies directly into the school syllabus, Kerala is future-proofing its students, preparing them for higher education and dynamic careers in science, technology, and innovation.
With a strong support system, trained educators, practical projects, and inclusive policies, Kerala continues to lead India in technology-integrated education, turning today’s learners into tomorrow’s innovators.
