Telangana Board to Introduce AI in Physical Sciences Stream
The Telangana Board of Intermediate Education has decided to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the physical sciences stream starting from the academic year 2025-26. This move has raised eyebrows, as AI is widely recognized as an interdisciplinary subject, combining elements from various fields like computer science, mathematics, and even the arts. However, the board has chosen to classify it under physical sciences for intermediate students.
To implement this decision, the board has formed expert committees comprising professors and faculty members. These committees are tasked with preparing the syllabus and drafting textbooks. Along with AI, the board plans to introduce related subjects like machine learning, data science, and robotics at the intermediate level.
According to sources, the board’s decision was influenced by the fact that AI, machine learning, and data science are already part of the science streams in undergraduate courses such as B.Tech. A faculty member familiar with the matter revealed that the board secretary, S. Krishna Aditya, approved the decision. The syllabus revision committee is reportedly considering adopting the pattern followed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for its 10+2 courses.
In addition to AI, the board also plans to update the syllabi for chemistry, biology, and other subjects. While many academic boards and regulatory bodies across India have been transparent about proposed syllabus changes—inviting feedback from stakeholders—Telangana’s inter board has opted for a more secretive approach. In contrast, the Andhra Pradesh State Board of Intermediate Education (APSBIE) recently sought suggestions from students, teachers, and other stakeholders by publishing its proposed syllabus changes online.
The decision to categorize AI under physical sciences has sparked concerns. AI has applications across diverse fields such as language, law, music, arts, commerce, management, engineering, and life sciences. Placing it solely in the physical sciences stream could limit students from other disciplines from gaining foundational knowledge in AI, potentially creating barriers for those interested in exploring its interdisciplinary applications.
