Following the requirements of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the CBSE has undertaken numerous measures to incorporate skill education in its affiliated schools. For middle school students, CBSE now offers 33 skill modules. The length of each skill module varies between 12 and 15 hours. Additionally, the CBSE recently advised institutions and students that they might select one or more of these Skill Modules in Classes 6, 7, and 8.
According to the most recent updates, the CBSE offers 43 skill subjects in Class 11 and Class 12 compared to 22 skill courses in Class 9 and Class 10.
For Class 9, new skill subjects such as Design Thinking and Innovation, Foundation Skills for Sciences (Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology), and Electronics and Hardware have been added. Design Thinking and Innovation, Physical Activity Trainer, Land Transportation Associate, and Electronics and Hardware are among the new competence courses for Class 11.
Both the schools and the students may select any combination of these skill modules. Additionally, these skill modules will be made available online for self-study, and students will be able to enroll in classes online as well. The evaluation of these modules will take place in the classroom and will ideally be project-based. According to the standards set forth by the board, the school is responsible for making the assessment. These modules may be made available through the relevant hobby clubs (if any). At Class 6, Class 7, or Class 8, schools and students may choose any skill module.
The study plan has undergone certain alterations, though, for Class 9 and Class 10 pupils who select skill-based subjects.
- 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 calculation of percentage.
The introduction of the skill module and skill topic at any level is free of charge for CBSE-affiliated schools. A school does not need to submit a separate application for the introduction of any additional topics, including skill subjects, other than Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, according to the board’s updated affiliation Bye-laws. The school must complete out and submit the appropriate information on the Online Affiliated School Information System (OASIS) form.
Resources for Skill Modules and Subjects
The Skill Subjects/Modules Curriculum, Textbooks, Sample Question Papers, and Previous Year’s Question Papers will be offered by the CBSE from Classes 6th to 12th, according to a recent circular from the CBSE.
I am Samik Hazra, Senior Content Writer at Vidyamandir Classes, specializing in education-focused content. With a strong command over academic and exam-preparation domains, he creates insightful, student-centric articles that simplify complex topics and add value for aspirants.