Why did CICSE introduce this subject ? Aim of the Program & Should you introduce it?

1. To develop an understanding of concepts and applications in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
2. To develop competencies in Robotics and AI via classroom instruction, laboratory and self-directed project-based learning approach.
3. To facilitate appreciation, understanding and application of concepts of Robotics and AI through learning and engaging in hands-on activities.
4. To instill AI-Readiness skills in students vide key concepts in AI, such as, Data, Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing.
5. To introduce the students to the concepts of AI Project Framework.
6. To familiarize students with computational skills (basic python coding language).
7. To create awareness about ethical considerations of AI.

Should your School Introduce this Subject?
Yes, here is Why?

1. Build Practical Technology Skills
ICSE Robotics & AI gives students an opportunity to move beyond theoretical learning and develop practical skills through robotics, programming, AI and hands-on projects.

2. Develop Future-Ready Competencies
The subject combines Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Python, Data and computational thinking, helping students develop skills that are increasingly relevant across technology-driven fields.

3. Encourage Learning Through Projects
The CISCE curriculum encourages classroom instruction, laboratory learning and self-directed project-based learning. Students get opportunities to experiment, build, test and apply concepts rather than only memorising them.

4. Offer a Structured ICSE Pathway for Robotics & AI
Instead of limiting Robotics and AI to occasional workshops or extracurricular activities, schools can introduce it as a structured ICSE Group 3 subject (Code 66) with a defined curriculum, practical work and assessment framework.

What does CISCE expect schools to do for this subject?

The CISCE Robotics and AI syllabus is built around a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory learning and project-based work. Students are expected to build knowledge of robotics and artificial intelligence while also developing practical and computational skills.

1. Getting Students to Opt for the Programme – Introducing Robotics & AI to Students
The school needs to introduce Robotics & AI to students and explain the subject, its learning areas and practical applications. This helps students understand the programme and make an informed choice to opt for it.

2. Getting a Teacher Who Can Teach the Subject – Training the Teacher
The school needs to identify a teacher who can take responsibility for the subject and ensure that the teacher is adequately trained. The training should cover the Robotics & AI concepts, curriculum, practical activities and resources required to teach the subject effectively.

3. Finding a Curriculum Provider – Books, Lesson Plans & Videos
The school needs to arrange a suitable curriculum and learning resources to support the teaching of Robotics & AI. This includes student books, structured lesson plans, instructional videos and other resources required to deliver the curriculum effectively.

4. Purchasing Materials for Practicals
The school needs to arrange the required materials and equipment for practical learning. This includes robotics kits and components such as controllers, sensors, motors and other materials needed for students to carry out hands-on activities and projects.

5. Implementing Robotics & AI in the Timetable
The school needs to allocate regular periods for Robotics & AI in the academic timetable. Sufficient time should be provided to cover the curriculum as well as conduct practical activities and projects.

6. Regularly Assessing Students – Tests & Exams
The school needs to regularly assess students to track their understanding and progress in the subject. This can include tests, examinations, practical assessments and project-based evaluation, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

How is ICSE Robotics & AI Subject assessed?

The prescribed ICSE Robotics and AI exam pattern gives equal weight to theory and practice: a two-hour written paper of 100 marks, and 100 marks of internal assessment.

Because half the marks come from internal assessment, year-round implementation matters. CISCE sets a minimum number of  assignments for each class:

Schools therefore need an internal assessment system in place at the start of the academic year. Trying to complete practical and programming assignments in the weeks before board exams leads to rushed projects and weaker learning.

How Should Schools Structure ICSE Robotics & AI Assessments Throughout the Year?

Previous years papers

Recommended Assignments & Practical Activities
The CISCE suggested assignments include a mix of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Python Programming, with increasing levels of complexity across Grades 9 and 10.

Grade 9

Robotics

• Identify and present 5 unique smart robots and their applications.

• Explain: “All robots are machines, but all machines are not robots.”

• Create a mind map covering the features, applications and classification of robots.

Artificial Intelligence

• Explore how AI can be used in classrooms and how teaching could change in an AI-enabled classroom.

• Discuss how AI can be a blessing or a curse, with relevant examples.

• Use the AI Project Framework to design a Smart School, covering areas such as attendance, homework, fees and library management.

Python Programming

• Create a mind map of Python data types with examples.

• Explore the uses of Python functions and modular programming.

• Explain different types of errors in Python.

• Write programs using while loops.

• Write programs to find the larger of two numbers, prime/composite numbers, HCF and LCM.

• Create a Python program to display: “AI is a Powerful Tool; however, it is to be used with Discretion.”

Grade 10

Robotics

• Prepare a presentation on the difference between a machine, robot and cobot.

• Discuss how technology is evolving and its impact on us.

• Discuss whether smart systems are making humans less smart.

• Prepare a report on robotic systems used in different areas of life.

Artificial Intelligence

• Create a concept map for a Smart Transport Management System for a school.

• Design an AI-enabled Query Management System for a school using the AI Project Framework.

• Develop ideas for implementing AI across different areas of a school using the AI Project Framework.

Python Programming & Data Analysis

• Work with lists, strings and dictionaries using real-world datasets.

• Create and manipulate NumPy arrays, including indexing, slicing, searching, sorting and reshaping.

• Use Pandas to read and analyse CSV and JSON data.

• Use Matplotlib to create plots, bar graphs and histograms.

• Perform basic data analysis using real-world datasets.

• Explore regression and trend analysis to make predictions.

• Create a normal distribution and analyse student scores using mean, median and mode.

• Develop Python programs for real-world applications, such as electricity-bill and employee-bonus calculations.

An ICSE Robotics and AI lab needs both digital and physical infrastructure. Students need computers with a Python programming environment, the right robotics hardware and access to simulation tools.

What infrastructure does a school need for a Robotics & AI lab?

Depending on the school's model, a robotics kit for schools may include:

•  Robotics boards such as Arduino or other single-board systems

•  Sensors

•  Motors and servo motors

•  LEDs and electronic components

•  Wires and breadboards

•  Robotics chassis and mechanical components

•  Simulation and virtual laboratory environments

•  Computers with Python installed / Virtual Python IDE by OLL

Connect every practical to a concept

Practical work should not be an occasional workshop. It works best when it follows directly from what was just taught. After learning about sensors, students work with sensors. After learning programming concepts, they write and test code. After learning about robotic systems, they combine several components into a working project.

How to choose an ICSE Robotics & AI curriculum provider

Choosing the right curriculum provider is about more than selecting a textbook or a set of robotics kits. Schools need a programme that is aligned with the CISCE framework while making Robotics, AI and Python practical, engaging and easy to implement in the classroom. 

Curriculum by CISCE: What Students Learn in Classes 9 & 10

The CISCE Robotics & Artificial Intelligence curriculum for Classes 9 and 10 combines Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Python Programming. Students move from foundational concepts in Class 9 to more advanced applications, programming and integrated robotic systems in Class 10.

View the official CISCE Robotics & Artificial Intelligence curriculum:
CISCE Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Curriculum PDF 

Class 9: Building the Foundations
Robotics

• Introduction to Robotics

• Evolution, types and applications of robots

• Laws of Robotics

• Robot components and systems

• Motion, joints, links and degrees of freedom

Artificial Intelligence

• Introduction and applications of AI

• Data and information

• Evolution of computing

• AI ethics, bias and fairness

• Computer Vision, NLP and Neural Networks

• AI Project Cycle

Python Programming

• Python fundamentals

• Data types and variables

• Operators

• Conditional statements

• Loops and functions

Assessment: Minimum 15 assignments covering Robotics, AI and Python.

Class 10: Advancing Skills and Applications

Robotics

• New-age robotic systems

• Drones, autonomous vehicles and healthcare robots

• Collaborative robots and human-robot interaction

• Gears, sensors, actuators and controllers

• Robotic design using Tinkercad

• Integration of robotic systems

Artificial Intelligence

• Machine and computer decision-making

• Automated and autonomous systems

• Introduction to Machine Learning

• Machine intelligence

• Cybersecurity and AI ethics

• Advanced AI Project Cycle

Python Programming

• Python modules and packages

• NumPy, Pandas, SciPy and Matplotlib

• Lists, tuples and strings

Assessment: Minimum 20 assignments covering Robotics, AI and Python.

What This Means for Schools

The CISCE curriculum goes beyond simply teaching students to build robots. It combines robotics, AI, data and programming with practical applications and project-based learning.

For schools, an effective curriculum provider should therefore offer more than a textbook. It should support classroom teaching, hands-on activities, programming practice, assignments, assessments and projects aligned with the CISCE framework.

When comparing providers, look past the number of projects or how the robotics kit looks. A complete robotics and AI curriculum for schools should give clear answers to five questions:

Books for Class 9 & 10 ICSE Robotics & AI

1. OLL
ICSE Code 66-focused Robotics & AI books for Classes 9 and 10, combining theory with practical activities, Python, AI projects and robotics projects. The programme also includes supporting resources such as lesson plans, videos, assessments and practical kits.
Purchase: Schools can purchase the books directly through the OLL website using the link provided below. 

2. Orange Publication
Provides Robotics & AI learning books for ICSE students, covering the prescribed concepts through structured chapters and activities. Suitable as a textbook-based resource for classroom learning.

3. KIPPS
Offers ICSE-focused educational resources for Robotics & AI, with content designed to support students in understanding the subject concepts and preparing for assessments.

4. STEMpedia
Provides Robotics, AI and STEM learning resources with a practical, project-based approach. Its offering focuses on hands-on learning, coding and technology-based activities alongside curriculum content.

Robotics and AI bring several disciplines into one classroom: robotics hardware, programming, AI concepts and project-based learning. Even teachers who know the subject well can lose significant time preparing every activity, presentation, worksheet and assessment on their own.

A structured teacher-support system makes delivery more consistent. Teachers should have access to lesson plans, presentation material, activity instructions, assessment resources and troubleshooting help, along with robotics and AI teacher training.

How to Select the Right Teacher for this Subject?

• Educational Background

  • Preferably a graduate/postgraduate in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, STEM Education or a related field.

  • The teacher should have a basic understanding of coding, computational thinking, robotics and technology.

  • A formal degree specifically in Robotics & AI is not essential if the teacher has the right technical aptitude and is willing to learn.

• Teaching & STEM/Robotics Experience

  • Preferably someone with prior teaching experience in Computer Science, STEM, Robotics, Coding or AI.

  • Experience in conducting practical sessions, projects and hands-on activities is an added advantage.

  • The teacher should be comfortable working with robotics kits, sensors, motors, programming tools and AI-based activities.

  • The ability to explain technical concepts in a simple, student-friendly manner is important.

• If an Ideal Candidate Is Not Available – Train an Existing Teacher

  • Schools do not necessarily need to hire a completely new teacher for the subject.

  • An existing Computer Science/Computer teacher or Physics teacher can be trained to teach Robotics & AI.

  • With structured teacher training, lesson plans, practical activity guides and ongoing academic support, the teacher can develop the required skills to deliver the programme.

  • This can also help the school make use of its existing teaching staff and infrastructure while introducing the new subject.

How OLL supports ICSE Robotics & AI implementation

OLL's ICSE Robotics & AI program for Classes 9 and 10 is an integrated school solution, not just a textbook or a hardware package. It brings together:

• ICSE-Aligned Curriculum & Textbooks – Structured Class 9 & 10 Robotics & AI curriculum with textbooks aligned to Code 66. 

• 30+ Hands-on Activities – Practical activities covering Robotics, AI and Python, with an option to view the activity list and download the curriculum. - Activity list & curriculum download option

• Complete Robotics Kits – Robotics kits with Arduino, sensors, motors and other required hardware for hands-on learning.
  

  

• Python, AI & Machine Learning Projects – Practical projects that help students apply Python, AI and machine learning concepts.

• Assessments – Regular quizzes, assignments, practical assessments and tests to track learning and prepare students for examinations.

• LMS & Student Progress Tracking – A dedicated LMS providing learning resources, assignments, assessments and student-wise progress tracking throughout the academic year.

•  Virtual Labs & Online Python IDE – Students can practise Python and other activities through online virtual labs on any computer with an internet connection, no software installation required. Python IDE online which can work on Any computer, just need internet

• Assessments – Regular quizzes, assignments, practical assessments and tests to track learning and prepare students for examinations.

• LMS & Student Progress Tracking – A dedicated LMS providing learning resources, assignments, assessments and student-wise progress tracking throughout the academic year. 

Students work with physical components such as Arduino boards, sensors and motors, and use digital environments for Python, AI and machine learning. Teachers get lesson plans and lecture resources for classroom delivery. The LMS gives schools learning resources, assessments and a clear view of student progress, so curriculum, practical learning and internal assessment all run from one place.

Results OLL Students Have Shown

The impact of OLL’s Robotics & AI programme can be seen not only in classrooms, but also in the academic results achieved by students. OLL students have demonstrated strong performance in ICSE Robotics & AI, with several students scoring 95 and above, including multiple perfect scores of 100/100.

Students Who Scored 100/100

Schools Introducing OLL as a Third Subject

The programme is also being adopted by schools as a third-subject option for ICSE students, bringing Robotics & AI into the regular academic curriculum. OLL supports schools with the curriculum, hands-on robotics kits, teacher resources, assessments and LMS-based learning.

Schools that have introduced OLL include:

• N. L. Dalmia High School

• Sanjeevani World School

• Seven Eleven Scholastic School, ICSE

• Fravashi International Academy

• Loretto Convent School, Lucknow

A Growing Learning Ecosystem

With 400+ schools, 1,47,500+ students and a presence across 35+ cities, OLL is helping schools integrate Robotics & AI into structured classroom learning.

From introducing Robotics & AI as a third subject to enabling hands-on learning and preparing students for assessments, OLL provides schools with an end-to-end implementation model.

ICSE Robotics & AI readiness checklist for schools

Before the academic year begins, make sure your school has clarity on each of these:

☐    Student and parent communication

☐    Curriculum and syllabus mapping & Curriculum partner selection

☐    Timetable and instructional hours

☐    Laboratory infrastructure

☐    Robotics kits and component availability

☐    Python environment

☐   Teacher Selectoin

☐    Teacher training

☐    Practical activity plan

☐    Internal assessment schedule

☐    Student project documentation

☐    Examination preparation

Planning these early keeps the subject from becoming rushed or overly theory-focused later in the year.

Building more than just a robotics lab

The goal of ICSE Robotics & AI is not a room full of equipment. It is a classroom where students understand technology, experiment with it, write code, build systems and solve real problems.

For schools implementing Code 66, the strongest model is one where curriculum, teachers, hardware, software, practical activities and assessment work together as a single system.

Frequently asked questions

What is ICSE Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Code 66?

Code 66 is the CISCE subject code for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in ICSE Classes 9 and 10. It combines classroom instruction, lab work and projects across robotic systems, components, motion, AI, data, Python programming and AI project frameworks.

How is ICSE Robotics and AI assessed?

Through a two-hour written paper of 100 marks and an internal assessment of 100 marks.

How many assignments are required in Class 9 and Class 10?

A minimum of 15 assignments in Class 9 across Robotics, AI and Python, and a minimum of 20 in Class 10, with a larger share in Python programming.

What equipment is needed for an ICSE Robotics and AI lab?

Computers with Python, robotics boards such as Arduino, sensors, motors and servos, LEDs and electronic components, wires and breadboards, robotics chassis and mechanical parts, plus simulation or virtual lab tools.

Does CISCE provide resources for teachers?

Yes. The CISCE Primer on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Teachers includes suggested activities, assignments and lesson-planning guidance for Classes IX and X.

Implementing ICSE Robotics & AI for Classes 9 and 10?

See how OLL's curriculum, robotics kits, virtual labs, teacher resources and LMS fit your school's timetable and lab.