CBSE introduces new skill subjects for classes 9 and 11.

The Central Board of Secondary Education recently introduced new skill subjects for classes 9 and 11 to incorporate skill education in its affiliated schools and this is based on the guidelines of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

According to reports, more than 27 lakh students of classes 9 and 12 are currently studying skill subjects in approximately 22,000 affiliated schools.

The new skills subjects for class 9 include Design Thinking and Innovation, Foundation Skills for Sciences (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology) and Electronics and Hardware.

While skills like Design Thinking and Innovation, Physical Activity Trainer, Land Transportation Associate and Electronics and Hardware have been introduced for class 11.

As per reports, 33 skill modules are currently available to middle school students through CBSE. Each skill module lasts between 12 and 15 hours. 70% of the time will be spent for practical exercises, and 30% will be reserved for theory.

And in subjects, there are currently, in total, 22 skill subjects in classes 9-10 and 43 Skill subjects in classes 11-12 are being offered by the board.

The good thing is that the schools and students can freely choose  one or more of these skill modules which will also be made available in online self-learning mode and students can take up the classes in online mode as well.

The assessment, on the other hand, will be school-based and will preferably be project based and is to be done by the school as per the criteria provided by the board. These modules can be offered through the respective hobby clubs (if any). The schools and students are free to opt for any skill modules either at Class 6, Class 7 or Class 8.

 

CBSE in its circular stated, “The Scheme of Studies for the students opting for skill subjects in classes IX-X has been amended as follows: If a student studies three compulsory subjects (i.e., Science, Mathematics and Social Science) and also chooses to study a Skill subject (offered as sixth optional subject), then the aggregate of best five including two languages (Subject 1 & 2) and the best three (from subject 3, 4, 5 & 6, including Skill subject) can be considered for calculation of percentage”.

Apart from these, CBSE-affiliated schools can  introduce the skill module and skill subject at any level free of cost. As per the revised affiliation Bye-laws of the board, a school does not have to apply separately for introducing any additional subjects, including skill subjects, except Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The school are required fill in the details in the Online Affiliated School Information System (OASIS) form and provide the required details.

“For the Curriculum, Study Material/ Textbook, Sample Question Papers and Previous Years’ Question Papers of the various Skill Subjects/Modules being offered by CBSE from Classes VI – XII, please visit the ‘Skill Education’ webpage of the CBSE Academic website (Direct link:http://cbseacademic.nic.in/skill-education.html)”, the CBSE circular added.

 

Source-NDTV Education