Nature of skill modules at middle school level under NEP 2020

In alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has urged the schools to introduce 12-15 hour skill modules for the purpose of integrating vocational education with academic education at middle and secondary school levels.

A list of topics for skill modules has been provided by the CBSE. However, many schools are opting for the digital technology related modules which seem to be downwards extension of the prescribed optional courses at secondary level like Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Coding, Data Science, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Automation, Robotics and Satellite Applications.

Despite the other non-digital and gig economy related skill module topics have been listed for grade levels level VI, VII, or VIII for exposure and availability of future job areas options, there seem to be a few takers.

These modules are are meant to be designed to be optional and do not require specialized labs or teachers, thereby implying the industry support or special part time inputs can be arranged for module designing and certification.

Other skill areas that have been suggested are Financial Literacy, Design Thinking, Handicrafts, Mass Media, Travel & Tourism, Beauty & Wellness, Marketing/Commercial

Blue Pottery, Bakery, Khadi, Food Preservation, Block Printing, Mask Making, Kashmiri Embroidery, Digital Citizenship, Life Cycle of Medicine & Vaccine, and more as decided on the the basis of cultural and family occupational context.

link for details https://cbseacademic.nic.in/skill-education.html