Robotics now a must study subject for class 10 students

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has once again taken a historic step in education by becoming the first state in India to make robotics a compulsory subject for all Class 10 students. From June 2 onwards, over 4.3 lakh students across the state will begin learning how to build robots, connect electronic circuits, use sensors, and write basic computer programs—all as part of their regular school curriculum.
The new robotics lessons are included in the updated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) syllabus, with a special chapter titled ‘The World of Robots’ added to the Class 10 textbook. What makes this initiative special is its focus on hands-on learning. Instead of just reading about technology, students will actually build devices using tools like Arduino boards, IR sensors, servo motors, and wires. They’ll use simple coding platforms like Pictoblox to program these devices, turning classroom theory into real-world solutions.
Students will start their robotics journey by constructing useful gadgets like automatic hand sanitiser dispensers. As they progress, they’ll take on more complex projects such as creating smart doors with face recognition features. Through this approach, they’ll learn how sensors and actuators work together to power intelligent systems.
The programme is being led by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), the same organisation that introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) lessons for Class 7 students last year. Building on that success, AI topics are now part of the ICT curriculum for Classes 8, 9, and 10 as well.
To support the new robotics initiative, the state government has distributed 29,000 robotics kits to high schools. These kits include all the required components to carry out the practical activities. Schools that follow the state syllabus but are unaided will also receive support to ensure no student is left behind.
A key part of the programme is teacher training. In the first phase, 9,924 teachers have already been trained to handle the new ICT curriculum. Further training focused entirely on robotics will be conducted in July to ensure every teacher is fully equipped to guide students through this new subject.
The ICT textbooks have been made available in multiple languages including Malayalam, English, Tamil, and Kannada, allowing students from different linguistic backgrounds to understand and enjoy what they are learning. This multilingual approach reflects Kerala’s commitment to inclusive and accessible education.
General Education Minister V Sivankutty has stated that the aim of this move is to prepare students for a future where technology and automation will play a major role. By learning robotics from a young age, students will not only develop technical skills but also improve their creativity, problem-solving ability, and confidence.
With this pioneering initiative, Kerala has set an example for the rest of the country. It is not just adding another subject to the timetable—it is giving students the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a world driven by technology.