A Composite Skill Lab equipped with all necessary tools and machinery is mandatory for all schools applying for new affiliation with CBSE.Schools that are already affiliated with CBSE are also required to set up such a lab within three years to comply with the latest guidelines.
According to the notification, schools are required to create either a single composite skill lab with an area of 600 square feet for students from classes 6 to 12 or two separate labs, each with an area of 400 square feet – one for classes 6 to 10 and the other for classes 11 and 12.
What is a Composite Skills Lab?
A Composite Skill Lab is an initiative by CBSE aimed at improving students’ practical learning experiences by offering hands-on training in various skills. These labs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and expertise that align with industry standards, preparing them for diverse career opportunities and enhancing their employability.
Skill subjects offered by CBSE at the secondary level
Under the NEP 2020 guidelines, CBSE offers a broad range of vocational courses to foster skill development. The Board has organised these courses into three groups based on the educational stage: middle school (classes 6 to 8), secondary school (classes 9 to 10), and senior secondary school (classes 11 to 12).
At the senior secondary level, CBSE provides a variety of courses, including Introduction to Financial Markets, Banking and Insurance, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electronics and Hardware, and many others. These courses are designed to offer students specialised knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to various professions and industries.
According to the NEP 2020 guidelines, CBSE provides a wide range of vocational courses to promote skill development. The Board has divided these courses into three categories based on their educational level: middle school (classes 6–8), secondary school (classes 9–10), and senior secondary school (classes 11–12).
CBSE offers a wide range of senior secondary courses, such as Introduction to Financial Markets, Banking and Insurance, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electronics and Hardware, and many more. These courses are designed to provide students with specialised knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to a variety of professions and industries.
Here’s the complete list of skill subjects offered by the CBSE-
NEPs focus on skill development
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places a strong emphasis on vocational and skill-based education. The objective behind this is to integrate vocational training into mainstream education, ensuring that every student has access to skill development from an early age.
Key measures under this policy include establishing skill development centres nationwide, providing opportunities for internships and apprenticeships, and collaborating with industries to align the curriculum with current market demands. The aim being to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications, making education more relevant and practical.
How NEP’s skill building initiatives can benefit students
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on vocational education aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills, enhancing their employability and career prospects.
By integrating vocational training into mainstream education, students gain hands-on experience, specialised knowledge, and practical problem-solving abilities, making them more attractive to employers and better prepared for the evolving job market. Here are a few ways this initiative will benefit:
Increased employability: By focussing on vocational training, the NEP ensures that students learn skills that are directly applicable to the job market.
Hands-on training: Internships and apprenticeships provide practical experience for students to improve their skills.
Industry exposure: Vocational programs provide targeted training in specific fields, preparing students for specialised roles. As a result of the emphasis on skills, a variety of career opportunities beyond traditional paths become available.
Higher earning potential: Practical skills and industry experience may lead to higher-paying jobs.
Entrepreneurial opportunities: Acquired skills enable students to launch their own start-ups in specialised sectors.
Improved critical thinking: Multidisciplinary learning develops analytical skills required for success in a variety of careers.
Adaptability in the job market: Skill development promotes adaptability, which is critical for success in a rapidly changing job market.
