CBSE Introduces Mandatory Skill Education for Grades 6 to 8
New Skill Education Framework
Students in grades 6 to 8 will be required to undertake nine projects over a span of three years, dedicating around 90 hours each year to complete three projects, which sums up to a total of 270 hours of hands-on experience.
In accordance with the updated education policy, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated skill education for all students in these grades. The focus will shift from traditional book learning and examinations to practical life skills, including plant care, machine learning, and community service. The goal is to foster a 'learning by doing' approach rather than mere rote memorization.
The CBSE has instructed all affiliated institutions to treat skill-based education as a core subject rather than an elective. Starting from the academic session of 2025–26, new textbooks from the NCERT's "Skill Bodh Series" will be introduced in schools, available in both digital and print formats.
Categories of Skills
Skills will be categorized into three main areas: working with living beings, machines, and providing services.
The new educational framework will engage students in three skill types: caring for plants and animals, understanding tools and technology, and participating in social service activities.
Project-Based Learning
Over the three years, students will complete a total of nine projects, with each academic year requiring approximately 90 hours dedicated to these projects. The emphasis will be on practical engagement rather than just theoretical knowledge.
School schedules will be adjusted to incorporate skill education into the curriculum.
A total of 110 hours (around 160 periods) each year will be allocated specifically for skill education, with two consecutive periods each week dedicated to this subject.
Schools will select three projects from a list of six provided in the textbooks, tailored to their local context and available resources.
Implementation Timeline
The CBSE has confirmed that this new skill education framework will be compulsory starting this academic session. Schools must ensure they have the necessary resources, trained educators, and a project-based learning system in place. To facilitate this, CBSE, NCERT, and PSSIVE will collaborate on a comprehensive teacher training initiative. Post-training, educators will adopt innovative methods for project-based learning, activity design, and assessment.
Annual Skills Fair
At the conclusion of each academic year, schools will host a "Skills Fair" where students can present their projects, models, and experiences. This event will also provide parents with insights into their children's learning beyond traditional textbooks. The assessment criteria for skill education will be revised, with 10% of the marks coming from written exams, 30% from oral assessments, 30% from activity books, 10% from portfolios, and 20% from teacher evaluations.