CBSE has made the Students’ and Teachers’ Handbooks for Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence (CT&AI) available for Classes 3 to 8, as notified in Circular no. Acad-18/2026. All 12 handbooks — six for students and six for teachers — can be read online and downloaded as free PDFs from the links given below.
The handbooks accompany the CT&AI curriculum framework CBSE has introduced for Classes 3 to 8, with the stated aim of creating AI-literate learners by 2030. The circular also confirms a significant change for senior classes: all other AI courses that ran until the 2025-26 session are discontinued for Class 9 from the 2026-27 session onwards.
Download CBSE CT&AI Student Handbook PDF – Classes 3 to 8
The Student Handbook carries the thinking-based questions and activities meant to be attempted by learners alongside their regular classroom lessons.
| Class | Student Handbook |
|---|---|
| Class 3 | Download PDF |
| Class 4 | Download PDF |
| Class 5 | Download PDF |
| Class 6 | Download PDF |
| Class 7 | Download PDF |
| Class 8 | Download PDF |
Download CBSE CT&AI Teacher Handbook PDF – Classes 3 to 8
The Teacher Handbook is the companion volume, carrying the guidance, underlying concepts and suggested approaches for each set of questions.
| Class | Teacher Handbook |
|---|---|
| Class 3 | Download PDF |
| Class 4 | Download PDF |
| Class 5 | Download PDF |
| Class 6 | Download PDF |
| Class 7 | Download PDF |
| Class 8 | Download PDF |
These Are Not Textbooks – How the Handbooks Are Meant To Be Used
This is the point most likely to be missed, and CBSE is explicit about it. The circular states that the resource books are “not designed as textbooks, but rather as a companion to the NCERT Mathematics textbooks”, intended to be used alongside regular classroom teaching.
Because the handbooks follow the same chapter sequence as the NCERT Mathematics textbook, the Maths teacher can integrate them into daily instruction without a separate period or a separate syllabus. As a concept is introduced in class, the corresponding questions from the handbook can be used to deepen understanding and encourage application.
CBSE has set out the following approach for teachers:
- Read the chapter content in advance, identify the underlying concepts each question needs, and plan how to align them with classroom teaching.
- Treat the questions as thinking-based, designed to promote analysis, reasoning and problem-solving.
- Adopt a facilitative approach — guide through prompts and discussion rather than supplying solutions.
- Give students time to attempt independently, then hold a class discussion where different approaches are shared.
- Conduct the activities included in some chapters before attempting the questions, as they build intuition.
“Teachers should approach this book with the mindset that the process of thinking is more important than arriving at the correct answer. Creating a safe and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, exploring multiple strategies, and expressing their reasoning is essential. The goal is to nurture confident, independent thinkers rather than focus solely on correctness.”
CBSE Circular no. Acad-18/2026
What Is CBSE CT&AI?
CT&AI stands for Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence. CBSE’s position, set out in the circular, is that while AI is an important requirement, Computational Thinking is the broader skill that builds the foundation for learning AI — covering areas such as cybersecurity and basic networking. The Board has therefore integrated computational thinking with AI and other technological advances without dependence on any platform.
The curriculum mandates four components: CT + AI + Ethics + Unplugged Learning. The inclusion of unplugged learning means a significant part of the course can be taught without a computer or lab.
In terms of content, learners work through problems involving powers and number systems, proportional reasoning, geometric configurations and structured distributions — decomposing multi-variable scenarios, identifying complex patterns and designing stepwise algorithms under constraints. The AI component covers the AI project lifecycle, data-driven decision-making, and ethical considerations such as bias and fairness.
The framework draws on the National Education Policy (NEP), which seeks to integrate AI, Machine Learning, Big Data and Computational Thinking into school education, and on NCFSE 2023, which carries the recommendation forward for implementation.
What Changes for Class 9 and Class 10 in 2026-27
Alongside the Classes 3 to 8 framework, the circular sets out three changes for senior classes.
| Class | Position for session 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| Class 9 | All other AI courses run until session 2025-26 are discontinued from 2026-27 onwards. |
| Class 10 | Continues with the scheme followed in session 2025-26. |
| Classes 9 to 12 | NCERT is to provide CT&AI modules for 2026-27, to be transacted as modules for internal assessment. |
Official Circular
The handbooks were notified through Circular no. Acad-18/2026 (CBSE/DIR(ACAD)/2026), dated April 9, 2026, addressed to the Heads of all Institutions affiliated to CBSE and signed by Dr. Praggya M. Singh, Professor and Director (Academics). Copies were sent to Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and other directorates for circulation to schools under their jurisdiction.
Schools have been asked to download the resource books and use them for classroom transaction. The handbooks are also hosted on the official CBSE Academic website, cbseacademic.nic.in, along with the circular itself.
CBSE CT&AI Handbooks – Frequently Asked Questions
Which classes are the CT&AI handbooks for?
Classes 3 to 8. There is a separate Student Handbook and Teacher Handbook for each of the six classes, making 12 books in all.
Are the CT&AI handbooks textbooks?
No. CBSE states they are companions to the NCERT Mathematics textbooks, following the same chapter sequence, and are to be used alongside regular classroom teaching rather than as a standalone subject textbook.
Is a computer lab required to teach CT&AI?
Not for all of it. The curriculum mandates unplugged learning as one of its four components, and CBSE has designed the course to work without dependence on any particular platform.
Which teacher should teach CT&AI?
The circular indicates the Mathematics subject teacher can integrate it directly, since the handbooks follow the same chapter sequence as the NCERT Mathematics textbook.
Is the AI course still available for Class 9?
No. All other AI courses that ran until session 2025-26 stand discontinued for Class 9 from session 2026-27 onwards. Class 10 continues with the 2025-26 scheme, and NCERT is to supply CT&AI modules for Classes 9 to 12 for internal assessment.
