CBSE Introduces Skill Courses for Classes 6 to 9 from the Session 2020-21

To make the students more creative, innovative and physically fit, to maintain pace with the global developments and requirements at the workplace, CBSE is introducing three new subjects namely ‘Design-thinking’, ‘Physical Activity Trainer’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence’ for Class XI from the Session 2020-2021.

The Board also offers 17 Skill subjects at Secondary level and 37 Skill Subjects at Senior Secondary level to provide more skills and proficiency of the young generation and also to for their awareness to explore various career options.

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.

At Secondary Level, a Skill subject may be offered as an additional sixth subject along with the existing five compulsory subjects. As per existing CBSE policy, if any student fails in any one of the three elective subjects (i.e. Science, Mathematics and Social Science), then it will be replaced by the Skill subject (offered as a 6th subject) and the result of Class X will be computed based on best five subjects. However, if a candidate desires to reappear in the failed subject, he/she may appear along with the compartment examination.

Similarly, at the Senior Secondary level, Board would appreciate, if your esteemed school offers at least one or more Skill Based subjects out of the 40 subjects on offer as an elective subject. This can position the students to explore new avenues and acquire the pre-professional skills to face the challenges of life in the future.
Therefore, schools are requested to consider choosing anyone or more Skill courses for the students of Classes IX & XI from the enclosed list and start offering the same from the academic session 2020-21 onwards.