The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to implement ‘Composite Skill Labs’ in schools across India as part of its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE). This initiative aims to enhance skill-based education by providing students with practical training that complements their theoretical learning.
Mandate for Schools
CBSE has mandated that all affiliated schools establish these skill labs within the next three years. New affiliate schools must comply immediately, while existing schools have a three-year window to set up their labs. Schools can choose to create:
- One composite lab of 600 sq ft for classes VI to XII
- Two separate labs of 400 sq ft each, one for classes VI to X and one for classes XI and XII
Objectives of the Initiative
Biswajit Saha, Director of Training and Skill Education at CBSE, highlighted that the introduction of Composite Skill Labs is a response to the NEP 2020 and NCF-SE guidelines, emphasizing the importance of skill development from an early age. “Hands-on practical activities are essential for skill promotion, and these labs will bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications,” said Saha.
Skill Focus
The labs will cover both traditional skills—such as gardening, agriculture, and food processing—and emerging technologies. Schools have the flexibility to tailor their labs to local demands and future needs, ensuring they meet the interests of students and the needs of the community.
Challenges and Support
The implementation of these labs faces challenges, including a scarcity of trained teachers for specialized skills. To address this, CBSE is organizing capacity-building programs for teachers and partnering with industry leaders and government organizations, including the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell.
Success Stories
Manav Rachna International School, Gurugram, has successfully implemented Composite Skill Labs since 2018. Principal Sangeeta Kapoor reported that these labs have encouraged skill-based education and enabled students to participate in prestigious STEM events such as the STEM Summit 2023 and Aavishkaar League. The school offers a Future Skills and Sustainability Curriculum through labs like the Mediashala Lab, Makershala Lab, and ICT Labs, providing students with hands-on experiences in mass media, design thinking, and technology.
Kapoor acknowledged the challenges in setting up these labs but emphasized their long-term benefits, saying, “Despite the initial obstacles, the advantages of skill-based education make it worthwhile.”
The introduction of Composite Skill Labs by CBSE is a significant step toward integrating practical skills training into the educational framework, preparing students for diverse career pathways and enhancing their employability.
