Should coding be mandatory learning in schools? Benefits, challenges, and the road ahead

The Hindu

3 days ago

In a world increasingly driven by technology, the question of whether coding should be a mandatory subject in schools has gained prominence. As smart phones become an extension of our hands and AI tools begin to shape how we live and learn, the ability to understand and create with code is becoming more than a technical skill—it's a new form of literacy.
This article explores the reasons behind the growing demand for coding in education, the challenges of implementing it, and whether it should truly be made mandatory for all students in Indian schools.
What is code? Why is it important?
At its core, coding is the process of writing instructions for computers to perform specific tasks. From the apps we use every day to self-driving cars and medical robots, coding is the language behind the machines.
Learning to code isn't just about becoming a software engineer. It teaches logical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and precision and structure. In essence, coding is a skill that enhances 21st-century learning, much like reading and writing did for earlier generations.
Shift to teaching coding world
Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Estonia, and Singapore have already integrated coding into school curricula. In the U.K., children start learning programming as early as age five. Estonia, often referred to as the 'Silicon Valley of Europe,' introduced coding in primary schools back in 2012. These moves are not just about creating more software engineers, but about preparing young citizens for a digital-first future.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marked a significant shift in Indian education. One of its key highlights was the introduction of coding from Class 6 onwards. The idea is to nurture computational thinking and expose students to digital tools early.
Many CBSE-affiliated schools and private institutions have already started offering basic coding and robotics classes. Online platforms such as WhiteHat Jr, Coding Ninjas, and Code.org have capitalized on this trend.
A case for making it mandatory
We are heading into a world dominated by automation, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science. Coding is the backbone of all these technologies. Equipping students with this skill early can help India build a future-ready workforce.
Coding is not just technical. It's creative. Students learn how to break down big problems into smaller steps—a skill useful in any profession.
Even today, the IT industry is one of India's biggest employers. As industries go digital, coding will become essential in finance, healthcare, agriculture, education, and even art.
When taught in government schools, coding can empower rural students to access global knowledge, participate in innovation, and break the cycle of poverty.
Coding communities are active and supportive. Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and online courses allow students to learn beyond textbooks.
Arguments against
Just as not everyone becomes a mathematician despite learning math, not every child will be interested in coding. Forcing it on every student may lead to resistance and disinterest.
India has a shortage of trained Computer Science teachers, especially in rural areas. Implementing mandatory coding without proper training can lead to ineffective teaching.
Many government schools lack computers, reliable electricity, or internet. Mandating coding without addressing these basic needs will only widen the education gap.
With already packed curriculums, adding another compulsory subject could increase the academic burden, especially if it is tested through exams.
First, digital literacy, then as core elective
Before coding, students must learn basic computer usage, internet safety, and digital ethics. Jumping straight to Python or Java without digital literacy is like teaching literature before learning the alphabet.
Instead of making coding mandatory for all, it can be introduced as a core elective. Give students the choice to opt for it early on. Make it mandatory only for those who choose Science or tech-related streams in higher classes.
Introduce block-based coding (Scratch) in primary school and text-based coding (Python, C) in high school.mThis way, we respect individual interests while still preparing a large popu- lation for tech-driven careers.
'Coding should be taught like mathematics—logical thinking first, language second,' says Dr. Ruchi Sharma, a computer science educator in Delhi.
'We need to teach kids to think like coders before we teach them to code,' says Prof. Debarghya Das, a Cornell Computer Science graduate and Google engineer.
Impact of coding education
Tanmay Bakshi, an Indian-origin coder in Canada, started coding at age 5 and is now an AI expert at age 18. In India, Atal Tinkering Labs funded by NITI Aayog are helping school students build apps and hardware products through hands-on coding experience.
It's a misconception that coding is only for those interested in computers. Even in fields like music, medicine, fashion, and agriculture, digital solutions are transforming workflows.
Think about doctors using machine learning for diagnosis. Musicians using code to generate beats. Farmers using sensors and coded apps to monitor soil health. Learning to code is like learning a tool that can amplify whatever passion a student already has.
Call for smart implementation
The question isn't whether coding is important—it clearly is. The real question is how and when we should teach it.
Making coding mandatory too early, without preparation, risks alienating students and failing in execution. But delaying or ignoring it will leave the next generation unprepared for a digital economy.
The answer lies in balanced reform. Invest in teacher training and infrastructure.
Start with basic digital literacy. Gradually integrate problem-solving and logical thinking. Introduce coding as a flexible, project-based subject, not just textbook learning
As India's digital economy grows, we must prepare our students to not just use technology—but create it.
(Mohsin Iqbal is a student of B.Sc. (Hons) Computer Science at Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi.)