CBSE has introduced new skill subjects: What are they?

The Central Bureau of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced new skill subjects for classes 9 and 11. The Board has stated that the interested students of these two classes can register for the subjects through the CBSE registration portal. This new initiative is part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines. The change is a welcome opportunity for those appearing for their secondary board examinations in the 2023-24 academic year.

The new skill subjects introduced for class 9 include Design Thinking and Innovation, Foundation Skills for Sciences (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology) and Electronics and Hardware. The new skill subjects for class 11 comprise Design Thinking and Innovation, Physical Activity Trainer, Land Transportation Associate and Electronics and Hardware.

Currently, the Board is offering 33 skill modules for middle school students. All skill modules are for a duration of 12 to 15 hours. Out of this, 70 per cent of the time duration will be devoted to hands-on activities and 30 per cent will be used for theory.

CBSE-affiliated schools and students are free to opt for one or more of these skill modules. These will also be made available in online self-learning mode. The assessment will preferably be project-based.