CBSE Decision: Setting Up of ‘Composite Skill Labs’ in CBSE Affiliated Schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has sent an official notice to inform all the principals of its affiliated schools that the National Education Policy (NEP) – 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE), are focusing on developing skill education, mostly for students in classes 6th to 10th. The NCFSE has also added an additional skill subject in the curriculum of the CBSE schools and has declared it as a mandatory subject after class 6th. It emphasizes the importance of equipping students with practical skills along with traditional academic subjects.

This decision is adopted to make available students opportunities to engage in tasks related to the real world as per their chosen skills. The motive is to remove the gap between theory and practice. CBSE has decided to develop well-equipped skill labs and vocational training centres in its affiliated schools. This establishment is necessary to provide students necessary resources and environment for effective skill development and practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Many schools at this point have been noticed with insufficient necessary facilities and equipment to provide effective hands-on training to its students, hence, the matter was discussed in the 139th meeting of the Governing Body of the Board and the conclusion has come that it is mandatory for CBSE’s all affiliated schools to establish ‘Composite Skill Labs’ along with all necessary equipment and machinery as per the recommendations of NEP and NCFSE.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) believes that setting up these ‘Composite Skill Labs’ will help students gain training on practical skills and develop employment prospects for students in various trades and vocations. This will help students find diverse career pathways for themselves beyond traditional options, and foster entrepreneurial capabilities among students.

The CBSE has ordered its affiliating schools to have atleast one Composite Skill Lab of 600 sq. ft. area for classes 6th to 12th or two separate labs of 400 sq. ft. area each, one for classes 6th to 10th and another for classes 11th to 12th.

Implementation Timeline:

• The schools that are freshly affiliated with the CBSE board are compulsory to have a Composite Skill Lab with all necessary equipment and machinery.
• Schools that are already a part of CBSE are compulsory to have a Composite Skill Lab in itself with all necessary equipment and machinery, within a period of three years from the date of this circular.

More details/information regarding the establishment of Composite Skill Lab and items that will be included in necessary materials will be specified soon in the curriculum guidelines published on the CBSE website shortly.

Schools that already offering their students skill subjects are requested to provide students with more choices under that by offering more Skill Subjects. Schools that have not implemented any skill subject for their students yet as advised to atleast offer atleast one skill subject to their students.