Schools to Install Skill Labs as CBSE Enhances Education Focus

All schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have been directed to establish a "Composite Skill Lab" equipped with all necessary apparatus and equipment to implement the recommendations of NEP and NCF-SE effectively.

The directive is for schools already affiliated with CBSE to establish a Composite Skill Lab, complete with all necessary apparatus and equipment, within three years.

CBSE emphasised the necessity of establishing a "Composite Skill Lab" in an official notification. The Board believes that the lab will facilitate the development of practical skills by industry requirements, improve employment opportunities for students in various trades and professions, facilitate the exploration of diverse career paths beyond traditional options, and cultivate entrepreneurial capabilities in students.

"It has been noticed that many schools currently lack the necessary facilities and equipment to provide effective hands-on training. The matter was discussed in the 139th meeting of the Governing Body of the Board and it was been mandated that all schools affiliated with the Board must establish a 'Composite Skill Lab' along with all necessary equipments and machinery to effectively implement the recommendations of NEP and NCF-SE," mentioned the official notification by the Board.

The Board has advised schools to set up one Composite Skill Lab of 600 sq. ft. area for classes VI-XII or two separate labs of 400 sq. ft. area each, one for classes VI–X and the other for classes XI-XII.CBSE also advised the schools already offering Skill subjects to provide more choices to students by offering more Skill subjects. The schools still not offering any Skill subjects are advised to provide at least one Skill subject to the students.