ICSE Class 9 Syllabus 2028 Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

ICSE
INDIAN CERTIFICATE OF
SECONDARY EDUCATION
EXAMINATION

YEAR 2028

ROBOTICS AND ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE (66)

Developed by:
Research, Development and Curriculum Division (RDCD)
CISCE

January 2026
____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

MISSION STATEMENT

The Council for the Indian School Certificate
Examinations is committed to serving the nation's
children, through high quality educational
endeavours, empowering them to contribute towards
a humane, just and pluralistic society, promoting
introspective living, by creating exciting learning
opportunities, with a commitment to excellence.

ETHOS OF CISCE

Trust and fair play.
Minimum monitoring.
Allowing schools to evolve their own niche.
Catering to the needs of the children.
Giving freedom to experiment with new ideas
and practices.
Diversity and plurality - the basic strength for
evolution of ideas.
Schools to motivate pupils towards the
cultivation of:
Excellence - The Indian and Global
experience.
Values - Spiritual and cultural - to be the bedrock
of the educational experience.
Schools to have an 'Indian Ethos', strong roots in
the national psyche and be sensitive to national
aspirations.

ROBOTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (66)

Aims:

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.

CLASS IX
THEORY: 100 Marks
There will be one written paper of two hours duration carrying 100 marks and internal assessment of 100 marks.

DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS FOR THE WRITTEN PAPER

S. NO. UNIT TOTAL WEIGHTAGE
PART I: ROBOTICS
1. Introduction to Robotics 10 Marks
2. Robot as a System 20 Marks
3. Concepts in Robotics 20 Marks
PART II: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) 10 Marks
2. Role of Data and Information, Evolution of Computing 10 Marks
3. Introduction to Data and Programming with Python 20 Marks
4. AI Concepts and AI Project Framework 10 Marks
TOTAL 100 Marks

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PART I
ROBOTICS
1. Introduction to Robotics
(i) Understanding Robots.
Basic understanding of what a robot is; definition and characteristics; benefits of using robots (with
respect to humans): increased quality, increased productivity, increased efficiency, longer working span,
working in hazardous environments, improved workplace. Limitations of using robots.
(ii) Evolution of Robots; Laws of Robotics.
Brief history of Robots with respect to their evolution from 1900’s till date. Definition of Robotics, the
three Laws of Robotics by Isaac Asimov (statements only).
(iii) Classification of Robots.
Classification of Robots as: field/terrain based (arial, ground, underwater) and control based (manual,
automatic): Meaning and examples of each. Bio-inspired robots: meaning, purpose and examples
(humanoids, birds, snakes and insects).
(iv) Real world Robots and their applications.
Application of robots in different fields (domestic, industry, medical, defense, entertainment and
agriculture) with at least one example of each.

2. Robot as a System
(i) Building blocks of Robots.
General block diagram of a robot. A detailed study of the building blocks of a robot.
Concept of a robot as having mechanical, electronic and computational blocks; functioning and working
principle of each block. Design aspects using examples of humanoid, aerial, underwater and mobile
robots.
(ii) Identification of Robots.
Identification of robots (through demonstration/ video/graphic details).
Illustration using an industrial robot (e.g., Industrial Robotic Arm), humanoid and mobile robot. The idea
that a mechanical body can be of any form must be emphasized.

3. Concepts in Robotics
(i) Types of motion; motion in one-dimension and two-dimension; types of joints and links.
Types of motion (linear, angular, and circular); a brief understanding of motion in one-dimension and
two-dimension; types of joints (prismatic, revolute, and spherical); types of links (rigid and soft). Relevant
examples for each of the above.
(ii) Using links and joints to create specific motion.
A detailed study of how links and joints help create specific motion. Identification of links and joints used
in a given system. Examples for the demonstration can include Industrial Robot Arms.
(iii) Degree of freedom of a robot
Definition; identification through illustration.

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PART II
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(i) Meaning and brief history.
Definition of Artificial Intelligence; brief account of the history of AI since the time John McCarthy first
coined the term in 1956; Turing Test, its use and importance.
(ii) Applications and Benefits of AI.
Applications of AI in different fields: commercial, industry, medical/health care, defense, banking,
entertainment, transport, security and agriculture. Commonly used AI applications in daily life such as,
online shopping, search engines, chatbots, voice assistants, entertainment portals, facial recognition,
driver assisting vehicles, augmented/ virtual reality.
Benefits of using AI - Automation, smart decision making, assisting humans, remote patient monitoring &
monitoring the progression of contagious diseases, analysis of data for research and development,
efficiently solving complex problems, speedy disaster recovery strategy, performing recurring business
tasks, reducing the chances of manual errors, ensuring 24-hour service availability with the same
performance and consistency throughout the day.
(iii) Ethical considerations in AI.
A brief understanding of ethics in artificial intelligence including bias, prejudice, fairness, accountability,
transparency, interpretability and explainability.

2. Role of Data and Information, Evolution of Computing
(i) Data and Information: Types of Data (audio, visual, numeric, text); Data to Information.
Understanding that data is pivotal to Artificial Intelligence. A brief introduction to how relevant data is
identified, acquired, and explored, as a precursor to the AI Project Cycle.
(ii) Evolution of Computing: Pre AI/ML Binary Logic System, Conditional Gates, Deterministic computing
for deterministic problems.
An introduction to above mentioned topics, with the emphasis that earlier computing was suited for only
deterministic problems; explaining deterministic computing and deterministic problems giving relevant
examples. Illustrating the limitations of deterministic computing in solving real life problems,
Comparison between deterministic and probabilistic nature of real-life problems.
Note: Explanation of how AI can solve a new class of problems, based on a probabilistic paradigm. Hence
Need for AI: Probabilistic, real-life problems; The AI Discretion (AI is not needed for solving
deterministic problems) for example –the difference in description of temperatures by a machine and a
human. A machine would make a discrete distinction between cool and hot at a given temperature for
instance if 35°C is hot, then any temperature 34.9° C and below would be cool. Humans would, however,
describe the temperature on a range of ‘cool, pleasant, warm, hot’ and so on based on their subjective
experience of the temperature.

3. Introduction to Data and Programming with Python
(i) Familiarization with Python.
Introduction to Python and its elementary concepts: object-oriented, high-level, general purpose
programming language. Uses and advantages of Python.

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(ii) Introduction to data types and variables.
Introduction to a simple python program structure and the concept of indentation in Python, different
data types in Python - numeric (int, float), Boolean, sequence type (tuple, list, strings), sets and
dictionary, an understanding of what kind of data types should be used in different use cases.
Introduction to variables and assignment of values.
(iii) Introduction to Operators.
Usage of different operators (arithmetic, logical, assignment, comparison, identity, membership) on data
types, kind of statements which can be executed in Python.
(iv) Conditional Statements
Introduction to blocks in Python, if conditions, if else conditions, nested if conditions, if-else-if (elif)
conditional block, case and switch. Shorthand conditional statements.
(v) Control Statements.
Meaning and use of loops in python. Different types of loops (while, for), nested loops, syntax used. ‘for’
loop for different types of iterables (list, tuple, string, dictionary) along with the idea of break, continue
and pass statements, ‘while’ loop and their use cases.
(vi) Functions
An understanding of both built in and user defined functions; the importance of functions to maintain
modularity; arguments given to a function (fixed and variable length); the concept of default arguments
and return type of a function.

4. AI Concepts and AI Project Framework
(i) AI Concepts
Broad and narrow AI, strong versus weak AI. Expert systems in AI (for e.g., Eliza). Computer vision
(CV), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Neural Network (NN).
(ii) Components and Stages (alias AI Project Cycle).
Understanding of AI Project Framework, Stages involved in AI project: Problem Scoping, Data
Acquisition, Data Exploration, Modelling and Evaluation (brief understanding of each).

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT: 100 Marks
Students are expected to do a minimum of 15 assignments during the year to reinforce concepts studied in class.
The details are as follows:
Details of Assignments to be done during the year

Broad Area Number of Assignments
Robotics 3
Artificial Intelligence 2
Python (Programming) 10
TOTAL 15

The teacher-in-charge should maintain a record of all the assignments done as a part of practical work throughout
the year and give it due credit at the time of cumulative evaluation at the end of the year.

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SUGGESTED LIST OF ASSIGNMENTS:
Some sample problems are given below as examples. The problems are of varying levels of difficulty:

Robotics
1. Robots are becoming smarter day by day. Identify 5 unique smart robots and make a presentation in the class
as a think pair.
2. “All robots are machines, but all machines are not robots.” Prepare a writeup on the same.
3. Construct a Mind map of Robots and Robotic Systems covering Features, Applications and Classification of
Robots (refer to Mind Map – Tony Buzan).
4. Programming using microcontrollers for basic experiments.

Artificial Intelligence
1. Think and plan a small presentation on how AI could be used in classrooms. Which subjects could be taught
and how would teaching be different in an AI-enabled classroom?
2. AI is a powerful tool; however, depending on how it is used, it can be a blessing or a curse. Discuss with
examples.
3. Apply AI Project Framework to design Components and Stages required to make a ‘smart school’ as a use
case in a chart. (Example of a Smart school: automated fee, homework, attendance, library management, etc.).

Python Programming
1. Create a mind map of various data types in Python with examples (refer to Mind Map – Tony Buzan).
2. Discuss the uses of Python functions like modularity, reducing repetition of code, keeping different
functionalities separate.
3. Explain the different types of errors incurred while executing a Python script.
4. Describe ‘while’ loop with example in Python.
5. Write Python code to generate “AI is a Powerful Tool; however, it is to be used with “Discretion” as output.
6. Write a Python algorithm to find the larger of the two numbers.
7. Input a number and check whether it is a prime or a composite number using Python.
8. Input two numbers and find their HCF and LCM.
9. To print the format: 1
11
111
1111
10. Generate the first n terms of a Fibonacci Series 0, 1,1, 2,3,5,8…
Other possible scenarios:
11. Classroom:
(i) Storing Student details.
(ii) Calculating percentages, CGPA.
(iii) Generating report card: Function to enter which student’s report card is being made.

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(iv) Function to fetch student details from the saved data.
(v) Function to display the final result.
(vi) If-else: Checking for scholarship.
(vii) Iterating through student details and fetching required details.
12. Environment System:
(i) Storing pollution levels, temperature details of various cities.
(ii) Calculating average temperatures across different months.
(iii) Creating a report of temperatures in summers in different cities.
(iv) Function to fetch temperature details from the saved data.
(v) Function to display final result.
(vi) If programs: which city has maximum and minimum temperature.
(vii) If-else programs: checking pollution level.
(viii) If-elif : program to put cities into slabs of high temperatures/pollution, iterating through city temperature
details and finding hottest and coolest city.
13. E-Commerce: if-elif-programs: based on discount on online shopping. For example: There is a sale for
students on an e-commerce website on the occasion of Children’s Day. A discount of 10% discount is being
provided on stationery items, 12% on bags and 15% on laptops. Write an if-elif program to input student item
choices and determine their total bill after the discounts.

NOTE: This list is indicative only. Teachers and students should use their imagination to create innovative and
original assignments.

EVALUATION OF PROGRAMMING ASSIGNMENTS

Proposed Guidelines for Marking
The teacher should use the criteria below to judge the internal work done. Basically, four criteria are being
suggested: class design, coding and documentation, variable description and execution or output. The actual
grading will be done by the teacher based on his/her judgment. One possible way: divide the outcome for each
criterion into one of 4 groups: excellent, good, fair/acceptable, poor/unacceptable, then use numeric values for
each grade and add to get the total.

Class design:
Has a suitable class (or classes) been used?
Are all attributes with the right kinds of types present?
Is encapsulation properly done?
Is the interface properly designed?
Is the logic or pseudocode and/or algorithm is correct?

Coding and Documentation:
Is the coding done properly? (choice of names, no unconditional jumps, proper organization of conditions, proper
choice of loops, error handling code layout). Is the documentation complete and readable? (class documentation,
variable documentation, method documentation, constraints, known bugs – if any).

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Variable Description
Format for variable description:

Name of the Variable Data Type Purpose/ Description

Evaluation of practical work (Assignments) will be done as follows:
Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner): 100 Marks

Criteria Coding and
Class design Variable description Execution OR
(Total-100 Documentation
(20 marks) (20 marks) Output (40 marks)
marks) (20 marks)
Excellent 20 20 20 40
Good 16 16 16 32

Fair 12 12 12 24
Poor 8 8 8 16

LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS FOR DEMONSTRATION
The following experiments can either be demonstrated physically by the teacher using a Kit/ using audio-visual
material. Alternatively, these may be taken up as group projects under the guidance of the teacher:
(i) Robotics Game
(ii) Intelligent Robotic Waste Bin

Note: The purpose of these laboratory experiments is to familiarize students with robotics systems. These are
not a part of the evaluation.
.

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LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS
(For a Class of 30 students)

Item Number
Computer Laboratory Desktop PCs with Python installed 15
Registration ids on Tinkercad for students 30
Miscellaneous Screwdrivers, Allen wrench, Soldering
Station
For Laboratory Experiments
Single Board Computer (e.g. Arduino uno/nano ble sense, 10 sets
raspberry pi)
Robotics Components: Servo motors, Sensors, wires, 10 sets
batteries, crimper, LED

Robotics Game
− An introductory DIY setup analogous to a Robotic Systems with Vibration motor, and Coin battery.
− A Bristle Bot Race can be conducted as an activity. Bristle bot is available as a kit and can also be
easily built using the following parts: Vibration Motor, Coin cell battery, Toothbrush head with the
handle cut off, double sided tape.

Intelligent Robotic Waste Bin
Intelligent Robotic Waste Bin works a supervision device for waste. This device integrates select sensors
to supervise the state of waste. It includes:
− an ultrasonic sensor to check the level of the waste, used to prevent overflows by alerting the garbage
collection team.
− a temperature and humidity sensor to monitor the waste environment.
− a flame sensor to check for incandescent waste and reduce the risk of fire.
− a servo motor to open the lid whenever someone comes in the vicinity of the waste bin demonstration
by teacher.

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