Sikkim rolls out AI-powered learning programme in 71 government schools

The Sikkim government has implemented an AI-powered learning programme, named AI-FunZone, in 71 government schools across the Khamdong, Nandok, and Martam blocks of Gangtok district. The programme, rolled out by September 20, 2026, aims to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy among students.

This initiative, a pilot project, currently serves approximately 2,100 students from Classes III, IV, and V. It provides learning support in English, Nepali, and Mathematics, integrating a 60-minute AI-FunZone session into the regular school day.

Programme Implementation and Technology

The AI-FunZone project is being implemented following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in April 2026 between the Sikkim government, its Education Department, and the Bengaluru-based non-profit EkStep Foundation. The programme utilises artificial intelligence to deliver short, daily, and personalised practice to children, according to reports from The Statesman, News18, and UNI India.

The technology is designed to identify specific learning difficulties; for instance, AI can listen to a child read and pinpoint challenges in decoding particular sounds. In Mathematics, the AI identifies specific errors and learning gaps, later adapting exercises to address these. Students have can record, listen to, and re-record their responses. A real-time dashboard allows teachers to monitor the progress of individual students without ranking or comparing children.

Infrastructure and Training

The successful implementation of the AI-FunZone programme relies on digital infrastructure, including computers or tablets, headsets, and high-speed internet connectivity. While the programme has been rolled out, some standalone primary and junior high schools have reported shortages of this necessary digital infrastructure, as noted by The Statesman and News18.

To support the initiative, approximately 300 Resource Persons from the three blocks have undergone training. Teachers have expressed positive feedback regarding relying on technology, graphics, audio, and interactive activities within the programme. Students have also shown enthusiasm for the play-way approach employed by the AI-FunZone, if you look at The Statesman.

Broader Context of AI Initiatives in Sikkim

The AI-FunZone project aligns with the Sikkim government’s broader strategy to use emerging technologies for inclusive growth, digital transformation, and the development of a future-ready workforce. Shri Prem Vijay Basnet, Director of the Department of IT, Government of Sikkim, stated that this initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment towards these goals.

In a related development, the Department of Information Technology, Government of Sikkim, and NIELIT Gangtok signed an MoU on May 8, 2026, for the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence (AI-CoE). This centre, under the IndiaAI Mission of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, aims to promote AI-driven innovation, capacity building, skilling, training, and ecosystem development across various sectors in Sikkim.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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