New Skill Subjects for Class 9 and 11 introduced by CBSE
As per the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken numerous steps to incorporate skill education in its affiliated schools. Currently over 27 lakh students of Class 9 and Class 12 are studying skill subjects in approximately 22,000 affiliated schools.
The board offers 22 skill subjects in Class 9 and Class 10 and 43 skill subjects in Class 11 and Class 12.
The new skill subjects that have been introduced for Class 9 include
- Design Thinking and Innovation,
- Foundation Skills for Sciences (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology)
- Electronics and Hardware
Skill subjects introduced in Class 11 include
- Design Thinking and Innovation,
- Physical Activity Trainer,
- Land Transportation Associate
- Electronics and Hardware
CBSE-affiliated schools are not required to pay any fee for introducing the skill module and skill subject at any level.
CBSE has been offering 33 skill modules for middle school students. All skill modules are for a duration of 12 to 15 hours. 70 percent of the time duration will be devoted to hands-on activities and 30 per cent will be used for theory. The schools and students are free to opt for one or more of these skill modules either at Class 6, 7 or Class 8. The assessment of these modules will be done by the school as per the criteria provided by the board.
“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,” stated in CBSE circular