CBSE Introduces Mandatory Skill Education for Grades 6 to 8

The CBSE has announced a new framework for skill education, making it compulsory for students in grades 6 to 8. Over three years, students will complete nine projects, totaling 270 hours of practical work. This initiative aims to enhance learning through real-life activities, moving beyond traditional book learning. Schools will implement this new system starting in the 2025-26 academic year, with dedicated periods for skill education and an annual Skills Fair to showcase student projects. The assessment will include various components, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of students' skills and knowledge.

By Sourabh Singh Nov 29, 2025, 23:32 IST

New Skill Education Framework

Under the new educational policy, students in grades 6 to 8 will be required to complete nine projects over three years. Each academic year, they will dedicate around 90 hours to three projects, culminating in a total of 270 hours of hands-on experience.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated that skill education becomes a core subject for all students in these grades. This initiative aims to move beyond traditional book learning and examinations, incorporating practical activities such as plant care, machine learning, and community service. The focus is on 'learning by doing' rather than merely 'memorizing by reading.'

Implementation of Skill-Based Education

CBSE has instructed all affiliated schools to adopt skill-based education as a fundamental subject, effective from the upcoming academic session (2025–26). New textbooks from the NCERT's "Skill Bodh Series" will be utilized, available in both digital and print formats.

Skills Categorization

The skills will be classified into three main areas: working with living beings, machines, and providing services.

Students will engage in three types of skills: caring for plants and pets (living beings), understanding tools and technology (machines), and participating in social service (human services).

Project-Based Learning Approach

Each year, students will complete three projects, contributing to a total of 270 hours of practical work. The assessment will focus on their hands-on experiences rather than just theoretical knowledge.

School schedules will be adjusted to include skill education periods, with 110 hours (around 160 periods) allocated annually for this subject. Two consecutive periods each week will be dedicated to skill education.

Schools will select three projects from a list of six provided in the textbooks, tailored to local needs and resources.

Mandatory Implementation and Teacher Training

CBSE has confirmed that this new skill education framework will be compulsory starting this session. Schools must ensure they have the necessary resources, trained educators, and a project-based learning system in place. To facilitate this, CBSE, NCERT, and PSSIVE will collaborate on a comprehensive teacher training initiative, focusing on project-based learning methodologies and evaluation techniques.

Annual Skills Fair

At the conclusion of each academic year, schools will host a "Skills Fair" where students can present their projects, models, and experiences. This event will also provide parents insight into their children's learning beyond traditional textbooks. The assessment criteria for skill education will be revised, with 10% of marks from written exams, 30% from oral assessments, 30% from activity books, 10% from portfolios, and 20% from teacher evaluations.