CBSE, Microsoft to introduce coding, data science for Classes 6 to 8

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be introducing coding and data science curriculum for Classes 6 to 8 as new skilling subjects from the academic year 2021-22 onwards. The curriculum is framed in partnership with the multinational technology company Microsoft.

The CBSE, in a statement said that the curriculum will focus on “critical thinking, computational skills, problem solving skills, creativity and hands-on exposure to new technologies”. It also said that the courses will build “next generational skills” in students in line with the requirements of the National Education Policy(NEP) 2020.

Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said: “Under NEP2020, we promised to introduce coding and data science in schools. Today, I'm happy to see CBSE fulfilling the promise right in the session of 2021 itself.”

CBSE chairperson Manoj Ahuja said that it is crucial to impart these skills to students in a world that is increasingly relying on technology.

Ahuja said : “As we transition to a world that relies increasingly on technology, it is critical that we impart skills that prepare students and educators across the country to succeed in this digital world. The new course curriculum on coding and data science that we have developed in partnership with Microsoft will equip students with future-ready learning skills.”

CBSE has also decided to waive off the application fee for introducing new skill subjects at senior secondary level so that schools can introduce skills subjects without submitting any fees to the board.

The board also changed the marking scheme for Class 11 in skill subjects to 60 marks for theory and 40 marks for practical exams and projects to bring in "uniformity in the marks distribution".

It said that schools will no longer have to apply separately for introducing additional subjects including skill subjects, according to revised affiliation laws.

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