NEW DELHI: In accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations, the CBSE has undertaken a number of measures to integrate skill education in its affiliated schools. Currently, about 27 lakh students in classes 9 and 12 are studying skill-related topics in over 22,000 connected institutions.
In classes 9 and 10, CBSE offers 22 skill subjects, and in classes 11 and 12, it offers 43 skill subjects. Design Thinking and Innovation, Foundation Skills for Sciences (Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology), and Electronics and Hardware are the new skill subjects that have been added to Class 9. Additionally, Design Thinking and Innovation, Physical Activity Trainer, Associate in Land Transportation, and Electronics and Hardware are among the new competence subjects for Class 11.
33 skill modules are currently available to middle school students through CBSE. Each skill module lasts between 12 and 15 hours. 70% of the time will be spent on practical exercises, and 30% will be reserved for theoretical ones.
The choice of one or more of these skill modules is up to the schools and students. Students can enroll in the classes online as well, and these skill modules will also be made available in online self-learning mode. These modules will be evaluated at the school level, ideally using a project-based approach. The school is responsible for evaluating students in accordance with the standards set by the board. The corresponding hobby groups may provide these modules (if any). Any skill module may be chosen by the schools and students in either Class 6, Class 7, or Class 8.
According to a CBSE circular, “The Scheme of Studies for the students opting for skill subjects in classes IX-X has been amended as follows: If a student studies three compulsory subjects (i.e., Science, Mathematics, and Social Science), as well as a Skill subject (offered as sixth optional subject), then the aggregate of best five including two languages (Subjects 1 & 2), and the best three (from Subjects 3, 4, 5 & 6, including Skill subject), can be considered.
For introducing the skill module and skill topic at any level, CBSE-affiliated schools are not obliged to pay any fees. According to the board’s updated affiliation bylaws, a school need not submit a separate application in order to add any other topics, including skill subjects, except Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The school must complete and submit the Online Affiliated School Information System (OASIS) form with all necessary information.
“Please visit the ‘Skill Education’ webpage of the CBSE Academic website (Direct link: http://cbseacademic.nic.in/skill-education.html) for the Curriculum, Study Material/Textbook, Sample Question Papers, and Previous Years’ Question Papers of the various Skill Subjects/Modules being offered by CBSE from Classes VI-XII,” the CBSE circular continued.
