Introduction
In the 21st century, literacy goes beyond reading and writing—it now includes understanding, navigating, and using emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Just as learning the alphabet was once the foundation of knowledge, today, grasping the basics of AI is becoming a necessity for students to thrive in the future. Across the globe, AI is transforming industries, economies, and education systems. For a state like Odisha, with a vision for inclusive digital growth, AI education holds the key to unlocking new opportunities for its youth.
Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL), a leading force in digital education and empowerment in the state, is championing this transformation. By integrating AI learning into school education, OKCL is setting the stage for a future where every student, whether in a tribal hamlet or an urban school, can speak the language of tomorrow.
The Need for AI in School Education
AI is no longer a distant technology confined to science fiction. It is embedded in our everyday lives, from voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to recommendations on YouTube and Instagram. Globally, the demand for professionals with AI and machine learning expertise has skyrocketed, with LinkedIn and World Economic Forum ranking it among the top emerging skills.
But what does this mean for school students in Odisha?
It means that the earlier they are introduced to these technologies, the better they will be prepared to compete and contribute meaningfully in a rapidly evolving digital world. Students who understand AI will not only become future engineers and data scientists but also smarter doctors, ethical entrepreneurs, climate warriors, and policy makers who use AI for social good.
Early exposure to AI fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, computational logic, and digital ethics. It helps students become not just users but creators of technology. For a state with a large rural population and significant tribal representation, AI education can bridge the digital divide and ensure that no student is left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Vision of Government of Odisha and Alignment
Odisha has emerged as a national leader in leveraging technology for governance, education, and social impact. The State’s vision for a "Digital Odisha" includes equipping its youth with the tools and skills needed to become future-ready.
This initiative is closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning, integration of coding and computational thinking from a young age, and a shift from rote learning to skill-based education. NEP also underscores the importance of 21st-century skills; communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, all of which AI-based learning nurtures effectively.
By promoting AI learning in schools, Odisha is not only implementing NEP 2020 in spirit and action but also building a robust pipeline of digitally empowered, globally competent youth.
OKCL’s Role and the AI Learning Ecosystem
Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL), has been a frontrunner in the digital education movement of the state. With a presence in all districts and a network of 760+ Authorized Learning Centres (ALCs), OKCL has already trained over 3 lakh learners in digital literacy through flagship programs like OS-CIT.
In 2025, OKCL took a major leap by establishing the eSchool Smart Centers Network, a new vertical designed to support school students across Odisha with academic mentoring for competitive examinations like NEET/JEE, Olympiad preparation and digital skill-building.
To take this mission to the next level, OKCL has introduced AI Learning for School Students; an innovative and inclusive program that brings Artificial Intelligence into the school ecosystem in Odia and English languages.
The program is delivered in both offline and hybrid modes at partner schools. It includes Live Classes, AI toolkits, quizzes, group activities, and creative assignments; all designed to spark curiosity and innovation among students.
A creative representation of popular AI tools introduced to students during OKCL’s AI learning sessions— designed using DALLE to resemble a brain-shaped digital map
An aspirational glimpse into an AI-powered classroom in Odisha, designed using DALLE. Students interact with holographic content under OKCL’s ‘AI Bootcamp’ banner
The curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence in an engaging, age-appropriate manner. It spans a wide range of real-world applications and core AI concepts, helping students understand not only how AI works, but also how it is being used in everyday life across domains like communication, transportation, healthcare, and education.
Importantly, students are not just passive consumers, they create AI-generated content, build mini-projects, and learn how AI can be used to solve local problems in their community. For example, students in tribal areas are using AI to create climate alerts, water conservation models, and Odia language chatbots.
💬 Impact and Voices from the Ground
“A few years ago, my students struggled to understand basic computer skills. Today, they are exploring AI art generators and building logic puzzles. This is real empowerment,” shares a teacher from a government high school in Balasore.
Such stories are emerging from across the state, showing how AI is not just a buzzword—it’s a bridge to a better future, and OKCL is making that bridge walkable for every student.
🎯 Conclusion and Call to Action
Artificial Intelligence is no longer optional; it is the new literacy that every student must acquire to remain relevant in a digital-first world. For Odisha, which is rapidly transforming its educational landscape, AI in schools represents not just a skill upgrade but a social equalizer and a growth catalyst.
With the vision of the State Government and the technological leadership of OKCL, the AI learning movement in Odisha is gaining momentum.
We invite schools, principals, parents, and students to join this revolution.
Partner with OKCL. Bring AI to your classrooms. Let’s make every student in Odisha future-ready—one intelligent mind at a time.
