The Telangana School Education Department will introduce AI-assisted learning for students in Classes 3 to 5 starting in the 2026-27 academic year, as part of a revamped Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) programme that now extends to all private schools for the first time. The move integrates AI tools into weekly classroom practice, aiming to strengthen foundational skills in Mathematics, Telugu, and English without replacing teacher-led instruction.
How AI sessions will work
Under the new timetable, children will spend 80 minutes every week using AI-powered tools in school computer laboratories. Each subject gets two 20-minute practice sessions, with teachers present to provide support. The sessions are designed to complement regular classroom teaching, offering personalised, level-based practice rather than replacing traditional instruction.
The AI component runs through AXL, an FLN platform built by the Telangana Government in partnership with the EkStep Foundation. AXL gives children a safe, feedback-driven environment where they can strengthen reading and numeracy skills at their own pace. During the 2025-26 academic year, the FLN programme covered 1,640 government schools and over 22,000 students; this year, it has expanded to more than 3,000 schools.
Private schools brought under FLN mandate
Senior education officials confirmed that the FLN programme is now mandatory for all private schools. A senior official said: "This mandate makes foundational learning compulsory for students from Classes 1 to 5 across all school managements, ensuring that every child attains age-appropriate competencies in reading, writing, and mathematics. To bridge existing learning gaps, schools will host a daily Learning Enrichment Period from 3pm to 4pm. During this hour, teachers will provide remedial instruction, organise peer-learning groups, and offer targeted academic support to students who need extra help."
Tracking progress through assessments
Progress will be measured through a three-stage assessment system: a baseline test in July, a midline test in November, and an endline test in March. All student performance data will be uploaded to the School Education App, enabling continuous monitoring and evidence-based academic planning. The data helps identify immediate learning gaps and adjust instruction accordingly.
Why this matters for education professionals
For teachers and school administrators, the Telangana model signals a shift where AI tools become a regulated part of the curriculum, not an optional add-on. The mandatory FLN programme for private schools means educators across all school types will need to adapt their classrooms to incorporate AI-assisted practice and structured remedial periods. The three-stage assessment system also demands regular data collection and analysis, pushing schools to adopt data-driven teaching. As state governments increasingly embed AI into foundational learning, teachers who become familiar with AI-powered platforms and adaptive instruction will be better positioned to meet new policy requirements.
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