This article talks about the CBSE Notification: Setting up of Composite Skill Labs in CBSE Schools. Read Here!
As you are aware that the National Education Policy (NEP) – 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE), has focussed significantly on enhancing Skill Education, particularly for students in classes VI to X.
NCF-SE has also advocated the inclusion of skill subjects as an integral part of the curriculum by including it as a mandatory subject of study from class VI onwards. It stresses the importance of equipping students with practical skills alongside traditional academic subjects.
NCF-SE has emphasised that schools must provide opportunities for students to engage in real-world tasks and projects related to their chosen skills, thus bridging the gap between theory and practice. It has advocated the establishment of well-equipped skill labs and vocational training centers within schools. These facilities are crucial for providing the necessary resources and environment for effective skill development and practical, hands-on learning experiences.
However, it has been noticed that many schools currently lack the necessary facilities and equipments to provide effective hands-on training. The matter was discussed in the 139th meeting of the Governing Body of the Board and it was been mandated that all schools affiliated with the Board must establish a ‘Composite Skill Lab’ alongwith all necessary equipments and machinery to effectively implement the recommendations of NEP and NCF-SE.
It is believed that setting up ‘Composite Skill Labs’ will help in providing training on practical skills aligned with industry needs, enhance employment prospects for students in various trades and vocations, enable exploration of diverse career pathways beyond traditional options, and foster entrepreneurial capabilities among students.
Schools are advised to set up either one Composite Skill Lab of 600 sq. ft. area for classes VI–XII, or two separate labs of 400 sq. ft. area each, one for classes VI–X and the other for classes XI–XII.
Implementation Timeline:
Additional details regarding the setup of these labs, including necessary materials for teaching various skill subjects, will be available in the curriculum guidelines published on the CBSE website shortly.
Further, the schools that are already offering Skill subjects are advised to offer more choices to students by offering more Skill subjects. The schools that are still not offering any Skill subjects are advised to offer atleast one Skill subject to the students.
