Punjab has announced one of the largest teacher training drives in the country’s history. Under the AI Curriculum and Training Initiative, 160,000 teachers will receive artificial intelligence training, with the goal of preparing classrooms for the province’s new AI curriculum. The announcement makes Punjab AI teacher training a central part of the government’s school reform plan.
What we know about Punjab AI teacher training so far:
- Punjab AI teacher training will cover 160,000 teachers.
- Partners include SED, PECTAA, PMIU-PESRP, UNICEF and the Office of AI.
- Start date and training method are yet to be announced.
- Punjab AI teacher training links to the new AI curriculum for grades 1 to 12.
The initiative comes only days after the Chief Minister approved a lighter syllabus and an AI curriculum for grades 1 to 12. Teachers will be expected to deliver that curriculum, and this training is how the government plans to get them ready.
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Punjab AI Teacher Training: What Has Been Announced
The details were shared by Ali Dar, Adviser to the Chief Minister on AI and Initiative, as reported by ProPakistani on 26 September 2026. He said training 160,000 teachers would play a key role in promoting artificial intelligence across the province, and that the main purpose of bringing AI into the curriculum was to train teachers to the latest standards.
The programme is being run jointly by several bodies:
- School Education Department
- PECTAA (Punjab Education Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority)
- PMIU-PESRP
- UNICEF
- Office of AI
The initiative is described as part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision for modern education. Thousands of students are also expected to benefit once trained teachers bring AI concepts into their lessons.
Some key details have not been announced yet. The report does not give a start date, the length of the training, the delivery method (online, in-person or blended), or the order in which districts and schools will be covered. Teachers should wait for instructions from their district office or PECTAA rather than registering through unofficial links.
How the Training Connects to the New Syllabus
On 24 September, the Chief Minister approved a Punjab new syllabus that cuts textbooks by 25% in several subjects and orders a new AI curriculum for all grades. The same meeting reserved Saturdays for teacher training. It is likely that at least part of the AI training will run through these Saturday sessions, although this has not been officially confirmed.
For teachers, the practical message is simple. AI and digital content, including QR-coded video lessons in textbooks, will become part of normal teaching. Teachers who build these skills early will find the transition easier.
What It Means for STIs and New Teachers
School Teacher Interns are working in the same government schools where the new curriculum will be taught. Whether interns will be included in the 160,000 target has not been stated. Interns who are offered training through their school should take it, since digital teaching experience can strengthen their profile for future teaching roles.
Candidates planning to join as interns in the next intake should also pay attention. Basic comfort with technology is likely to matter more in classrooms from here on. Our guide on who can apply for the STI programme covers the current eligibility rules, and our STI contract extension report explains the terms for serving interns.
The move also builds on earlier work with special education institutions, which we covered in our report on the Punjab AI education programme for special children.
Source: The Punjab AI teacher training plan was reported by ProPakistani on 26 September 2026.
The Punjab AI teacher training plan sets an ambitious target. How quickly it reaches classrooms will depend on the schedule and method that are still to be announced. Keep checking official notices and our latest education updates for dates and registration details.
