CBSE introduces new skill subjects for students of Classes 9, 11

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced new skill subjects in Classes 9 and 11. The board has started three new subjects in Class 9 and four new subjects in Class 11.

The skill subjects introduced in Class 9 include design thinking and innovation, foundation skills for sciences (pharmaceutical and biotechnology), and electronics and hardware whereas new skill subjects introduced in Class 11 are design thinking and innovation, physical activity trainer, land transportation associate, electronics and hardware. The board offers 22 skill subjects in Classes 9-10 and 43 skill subjects in Classes 11-12.

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CBSE informed that affiliated schools don’t need to pay a fee for introducing skill subjects. Schools will not have to apply separately to introduce these subjects however, they will have to submit details for adequate hand holding, mentoring and training of teachers.

“With an aim to equip the school students with the relevant employability and entrepreneurial skills, as per the recommendations of NEP 2020, CBSE has taken many initiatives for integrating Skill Education in its affiliated schools. More than 27 lakh students are presently studying Skill Subjects in classes IX-XII in approximately 22,000 affiliated schools,” said CBSE in an official notification.

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According to the board, if a student studies three compulsory subjects, that is, 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 and 2) and the best three (from subject 3, 4, 5 and 6, including skill subject) can be considered for calculation of percentage.

CBSE also offers 33 skill modules for middle school students. The duration of skill modules is 12-15 hours. While 70 percent of the duration will be devoted to hands-on activities, 30 percent will be used for theory. Students can opt one or more skill modules either at Class 6-7 or Class 8. The skill modules will also be available in self-learning online mode.