CBSE opens experience centre in Delhi to promote learning beyond books

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has inaugurated an Experience Centre at its headquarters in Dwarka, New Delhi. The Centre features 21 interactive exhibits across 12 zones designed to take students beyond textbook-based learning and introduce them to scientific concepts, emerging technologies and future career opportunities.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the 6,000-square-foot facility on October 27. The centre reflects the emphasis on experiential and holistic learning under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates moving away from rote memorisation towards conceptual understanding, critical thinking and practical application.

Speaking at the inauguration, Joshi stressed that education should recognise students’ individual interests, abilities and learning capacities rather than place excessive emphasis on examination scores. He said students should have opportunities to observe, experiment with and understand scientific concepts through hands-on experiences.

The centre takes visitors through the evolution of education in India, beginning with Shiksha Ki Kahani, a film narrated through a personified voice of the river Saraswati. It traces the journey from the ancient gurukul system and learning centres such as Nalanda to modern schools and digital classrooms.

Another section documents CBSE’s institutional history through photographs and archival records dating back to 1935. An interactive geological timeline introduces students to the history of the Earth across millions of years.

Career exploration is another key component of the facility. Exhibits titled Career Explorer, Future of Professions and Magic Mirror: Future You aim to help students explore different occupations and understand how professional opportunities may evolve.

The centre also features holographic interactions with eminent personalities, including Dr BR Ambedkar, former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, cricketer Kapil Dev and mountaineer Arunima Sinha. These installations introduce students to their lives, achievements and contributions through interactive experiences.

A dedicated kiosk inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s book Exam Warriors uses activities to encourage students to approach examinations with greater confidence. 

The final section, Eduverse, combines motion-based interaction and multisensory elements to take visitors through forests, oceans, the Himalayas, the Moon and other planets.