The CBSE Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum is a strategic initiative aimed at equipping students with essential digital competencies and future-ready skills. It introduces foundational concepts in AI, such as data, algorithms, and machine learning, while promoting key 21st-century skills including problem-solving, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and collaboration. By embedding AI education at the school levels, the curriculum seeks to nurture computational thinking and digital literacy, empowering students to engage meaningfully with emerging technologies and preparing them to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

The PhD candidate will evaluate how this curriculum is implemented across diverse school settings, and whether it effectively supports the development of students' problem-solving, logical reasoning, and algorithmic thinking abilities. Using a mixed-methods approach-including classroom observations, teacher and student interviews, and 21st century skills assessment tools-the study will identify strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement. Findings will contribute to evidence-informed recommendations for enhancing AI integration in school curricula and strengthening STEM capabilities and future-ready skills.

Key research areas may include

1. Curriculum Implementation and Pedagogical Approaches - Examining how the CBSE AI curriculum is being implemented in school settings and the pedagogical strategies used to teach AI and 21st century skills.
2. Student Learning Outcomes and Skill Development - Assessing the extent to which AI education influences the development of 21st century skills among high school students
3. Equity and Access in AI Education - Investigating how factors such as school type, location, infrastructure, teachers, school leadership, and digital access influence the effectiveness of AI education in promoting a range of STEM capabilities.
4. Teacher Preparedness and Professional Development - Exploring teachers' readiness to deliver the AI curriculum and their understanding of 21st century skills including professional learning needs.
5. Curriculum Alignment and Enhancement - Identifying opportunities to strengthen the CBSE AI curriculum by aligning it with international best practices in AI to build STEM capabilities.

The PhD candidate will work closely with a team of two supervisors from ACU and one supervisor from Christ University. The research will also support ACU's commitment to global partnerships and advancing evidence-informed practices on STEM skill development during the school years.

How to apply

Applications close: 1 October 2025, 11.59PM AEST

Eligibility

• This opportunity is open to international applicants only.
• The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at ACU can be found in the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
• The eligibility criteria for research scholarships can be found in the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

Academic requirements

To apply, you must have one of the following:

• Undergraduate Degree with Honours (Second Class Division A / 70%+ or Distinction / 75%+)
• Master's Degree with Research Training (e.g., MEd with dissertation)
• Equivalent Qualification or Demonstrated Research Experience (e.g., a peer-reviewed publication)
• Other professional experience demonstrating research training and capacity to undertake an independent research project

ACU recognises variations in international grading systems.

English requirements

• IELTS: Overall 6.5-7.0, with no band below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 79-100
• PTE Academic: 58-68

Application process

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all documentation required for an application to the PhD program at ACU, as detailed in the How to Apply instructions, plus:

• A CV detailing relevant academic and practical experience; and
• A cover letter detailing demonstrated interest and/or experience in the program of research described.

When completing the PhD application form, please indicate that you are also applying for a stipend scholarship and include the name of this project "Investigating the impact of the CBSE Artificial Intelligence Curriculum on development of 21st century skills among high school students".

Before you apply

Interested candidates should contact Dr Sindu George before applying for the PhD program and scholarship.