Python (School Level Programming)

Who should learn & When: Python is introduced in schools primarily under the CBSE curriculum for classes 11-12 (Computer Science and Informatics Practices) and sometimes in middle school club activities. ICSE/ISC has traditionally focused on Java, but some schools also teach Python in lower classes for basics. Any student from class 8 onwards can start learning Python due to its easy syntax. It’s especially important for those opting for Computer Science in class 11-12 (CBSE has Python as the language in CS/IP courses). Students interested in coding contests or with aspirations in engineering/computer science should definitely learn Python early.

Academic Importance: In CBSE Class 11-12 Computer Science (Subject Code 083), Python is the primary programming language in the syllabus【69†L1-L8】. Class 11 covers basics: syntax, control structures, functions, data structures like lists/dictionaries, and an introduction to problem solving. Class 12 goes deeper: file handling, data structures like stacks/queues (using Python), some Python libraries (for data handling in IP or for CS practicals), and even basics of data connectivity (like using SQL with Python for Informatics Practices).     work (like a program or small app as final project). For ICSE/ISC: the Council for ISC had Java as cor  CS uses Java), but Python is still academically relevant if studen  nternational curricula. CBSE has also introduced Artificial Intelligence as a Skill subject in classes 9-10 which uses some Python for AI projects. Overall, learning Python helps in scoring well in board practicals and also forms a basis for various competitive exams (like some questions in NTSE, or entrance exams may involve logic that Python can solve).

Career/Skill Importance: Python is one of the most popular programming languages globally, extensively used in fields like web development, data science, artificial intelligence, automation, etc. Starting Python in school gives students a head-start for careers in software engineering, data analysis, AI/ML, etc. It also helps in college – many engineering first-year courses use Python now. Even if one doesn’t directly go into software, the logical thinking developed is universally beneficial. Python’s simplicity means students can quickly start making small projects (like a calculator, simple games, or data analysis of their school data) which boosts confidence. It also opens opportunities in inter-school coding competitions or hackathons.