From AI to Kashida, CBSE offers wider learning options

Nagpur: CBSE-affiliated school students will get a chance to take up optional skill modules at middle school level, thus giving them opportunity to study and explore a wide range of fields. While officially it’s not mentioned anywhere, one of the goals of offering skill modules is to help kids make an informed decision about their academic and career choices later in life.
The move by the CBSE is part of its aggressive push on all fronts to align itself with National Education Policy (NEP) guidelines. The NEP strongly encourages skill development at the school level itself.

A circular from CBSE says the policy aims to overcome the social status hierarchy associated with vocational education and requires integration of vocational education courses into mainstream education in all institutions in a phased manner.
“Beginning with vocational exposure in the middle and secondary schools, quality vocational education will be integrated smoothly into higher education. It will ensure that every child learns at least one vocation and is exposed to several more,” the circular added.
The board says this would lead to emphasizing the dignity of labour and importance of various vocations involving Indian arts and artisanship.
All these skill modules are aligned to the skill-related subjects being offered in CBSE’s secondary and senior secondary level.
Though it’s not mandatory, CBSE is encouraging schools to offer these skill modules at their institutes.
These can be taught during holidays, vacations or even integrated into regular teaching.