New curriculum reform to strengthen practical learning and align with NEP 2020
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a landmark reform: beginning with the 2024–25 academic session, all students in Classes 6 to 8 will be required to study skill education as part of their regular curriculum. This decision reflects the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning, creativity, and preparing students for real‑world challenges.
What Skill Education Will Include
Skill education will introduce middle‑school students to hands‑on activities designed to build practical competencies and vocational awareness. Modules will cover:
- Working with living organisms and environmental tasks
- Mechanical and technical activities such as tool handling, repair, and craftwork
- Human‑service oriented tasks like teamwork, community service, and problem‑solving
The goal is to ensure that children develop life skills, adaptability, and confidence alongside traditional academics.
Why This Decision Matters
CBSE’s move is intended to:
- Bridge the gap between theory and practice in classrooms
- Help students discover interests early and prepare for diverse career paths
- Reduce dependence on rote memorisation, a long‑standing criticism of India’s schooling system
- Equip learners with future‑ready skills in line with global education trends
Implementation in Schools
Schools affiliated with CBSE will need to:
- Integrate skill modules into the daily timetable
- Train teachers to deliver experiential learning effectively
- Provide infrastructure such as workshops, labs, and community project spaces
CBSE has already issued a Skill Education Curriculum Framework to guide schools in rolling out the program consistently.
Challenges Ahead
While the reform has been widely welcomed, some challenges remain:
- Infrastructure gaps in smaller schools may hinder implementation
- Teacher training will be essential to shift from lecture‑based methods to hands‑on learning
- Parents have expressed concerns about balancing academics with additional skill modules
CBSE has assured stakeholders that the rollout will be phased and flexible, allowing schools to adapt modules to local contexts.
Conclusion
By making skill education compulsory for Classes 6–8, CBSE has taken a decisive step toward reshaping India’s schooling system. The reform promises to nurture well‑rounded, capable, and future‑ready students, while fulfilling the NEP 2020 vision of holistic education. Though challenges in infrastructure and training remain, the initiative signals a progressive shift toward practical, meaningful learning for India’s youth.