• Written By simran
  • Last Modified 09-01-2023

CBSE Introduces A New Skill Subject for Classes 9 and 11

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To integrate skill education among the affiliated schools, the CBSE has taken a wide range of initiatives following the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As per the record, around 22,000 schools are affiliated with CBSE, whereas 27 lakh students are enrolled in Classes 9 and 12. For Class 9 and Class 10, CBSE provides 22 skills. For Classes 11 and 12, CBSE is offering 43 skill subjects. 

The new skill subjects that have been introduced for Class 11 include Electronics and Hardware, Foundation Skills for Sciences (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology), and Design Thinking and Innovation. The new skill subjects introduced for Class 11 are Physical Activity Trainer, Design Thinking and Innovation, Electronics and Hardware and Land Transportation Associate. 

New Skill Development Subject

CBSE is committed to the development of skills in school students and aims to develop good human beings capable of rational thought and action, possessing compassion, empathy, courage, resilience, scientific temper and creative imagination with sound ethical moorings and values. It aims at making engaged, productive, and contributing citizens to building an equitable, inclusive and plural society as envisaged by our Constitution.

The announcement for the introduction of new Skill Modules for Middle School was made by CBSE via its circular 25/2020. The Middle school students now have 33 skill modules for students that cover a duration of 12-15 hours. As per CBSE’s division, students must dedicate 70% of their time to hands-on activities and 30% to theory. 

Assessment of Skill Development Subject

CBSE gives the schools and students thedom to choose one or more from any of the skill modules. An online self-learning mode of the skill modules is also available for the students to enhance their learning capabilities. The schools will only assess the modules depending on the projects the students submit. The respective Hobby clubs at the school are responsible for regulating the modules. The students and schools have the flexibility to adopt the skill modules in any of the Classes from 6 to 8. 

In its circular, announcing the introduction of skill modules, CBSE 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.”

No Additional Fee for Skill Development Subject Registration

The CBSE-affiliated schools do not need to pay any additional fee for introducing the skill subject and module in any particular class. The Board had revised the Affiliation Bye-laws for the school. According to the revised laws, no school will have to apply separately for introducing extra skill subjects. However, the schools will need to pay an additional fee if they are including subjects such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics in their curriculum. To include the new skill subject in their curriculum, the schools must fill out the Online Affiliated School Information System (OASIS) form and provide the necessary details. 

The circular further adds, “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).”

This initiative by CBSE acts as a medium to introduce more learning options for the students just like ICSE and Cambridge. Furthermore, the skill development subjects should be mainstream as it will not be effective if students do not learn hands-on skills. 

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