Introduction of Skill courses from classes VI to XI from the session 2020-21

As you are aware the draft New Education Policy 2019 has clearly stated that there should be

“no hard separation” between curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular or academic and

vocational/physical education/art, etc.

The updating of the NCF in the near future will make

it possible for the Board to remove such separations. However, for the present, it is felt that

mainstreaming all forms of learning and skills will integrates not just the hands-on skilling

component but also the theoretical knowledge, attitudes and mindsets, and soft skills that are

required for particular occupations, through a broad-based education that is necessary for

students to be able to take on and thrive in a fast-changing world. This will contribute to the

economic goals of individuals and the nation in multiple ways, developing the capacities and

dispositions of individuals for economic independence, including employment and

entrepreneurship.

2. To make the new generation more creative, innovative and physically fit, and to keep pace

with the global developments and requirements at workplace, CBSE is introducing three new

subjects namely ‘Design-thinking’, ‘Physical Activity Trainer’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence’ at

Class XI from the Session 2020-2021. While Thinking is a skill that all humans possess, the

21st century requirement is of Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Design Thinking is a

systematic process of thinking that opens up the horizons of creativity and enables even the

most conditioned thinkers to bring about new and innovative solutions to the problem/s at

hand. Artificial Intelligence is also a simulation by machines of the unlimited thinking

capacity of humans. Physical Activity is a must if the body and mind are to be kept healthy.

With this view in mind, the course on Physical Activity Trainer has been prepared. It will not

only help in developing the skill of a trainer, but will also become a life skill as it will imbibe

the idea of keeping fit for life.

3. Beside these new programmes, Board is already offering 17 Skill subjects at Secondary level

and 37 Skill Subjects at Senior Secondary level to upgrade the skills and proficiency of the

young generation and also to provide them awareness to explore various career options. The

list of Skill subjects may be seen at Annexure-II & III. More than 8 lakhs students are

presently studying skill subjects at secondary and senior secondary level in 8543 CBSE

schools.