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In the new 2025-2026 academic year, classes on the subject "Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence" will be held selectively in 100 schools of the country, including 60 schools in Dushanbe and 40 schools in other regions. This was reported to Asia-Plus by the Council on Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, which is the initiator of this project.
The purpose of the lessons is to create a basis for the subsequent introduction of the new subject "Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence" into the school curriculum.
At the first (experimental) stage, schools with the best conditions that meet modern requirements were selected: high-speed Internet, the presence of electronic boards and the appropriate material and technical equipment. The level of preparation of students, especially in mathematics, is also taken into account.
"Last year, the pilot stage of the project was implemented in 25 schools in the country, including 18 schools in the capital and 7 schools in Khujand and Konibodom, especially in new-type schools. Good results were achieved," said representatives of the AI Council.
It was also noted that in accordance with the "Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Tajikistan until 2040", approved in the country, by 2028, AI training should be introduced as a separate subject in all schools in the republic.
The classes are free
The classes are experimental. Based on the results received from these schools, a curriculum will be developed, which will then be extended to all schools, the source added.
The Council reported that the classes are free, and all associated costs are also covered by the Council.
“Nothing is required from students or schools. Schools are only obliged to provide one room equipped with high-speed Internet and electronic boards,” the Council representative noted.
When and for whom will these lessons be held?
Additional classes in the selected schools will be held for students in grades 10-11 after the main lessons. There will be 10 to 15 students in one group, and the classes will be held once a week for one hour.
“If the number of specialists increases, perhaps the classes will be held twice a week. But today there are very few specialists in this field. It is necessary to increase their number,” the source added.
The Council plans to train specialists from among computer science teachers working in schools, as well as other teachers who are proficient in technical means and have good knowledge of mathematics.
According to the source, before attending classes, students first undergo testing, but even those who do not show high results but show great interest can attend additional classes.
The AI Council noted that the list of schools where classes will be held will be proposed by local education departments.
The analytical and information center at the Main Education Department of the capital told Asia-Plus that this list has not yet been finally approved, but the criteria established by the Council will be taken into account.