CBSE has made Skill Education (Kaushal Bodh) mandatory for Classes VI–VIII from 2025–26. Schools must allocate about 110 hours/year to project-based modules across three domains (Living Things, Materials & Machines, Human Services). Modules include AI, coding, financial literacy, crafts and more assessed via projects and continuous evaluation.

Quick overview: What changed

CBSE now requires every affiliated school to implement Skill Education (Kaushal Bodh) for Classes 6–8 from academic year 2025–26. The programme uses NCERT’s Kaushal Bodh activity books, focuses on project-based learning, and aims to build real-world skills (creativity, problem-solving and vocational familiarity) while aligning with NEP 2020.

Why CBSE introduced mandatory skill education

CBSE’s change responds to NEP 2020 and NCF-SE recommendations to:

• Reduce rote learning and exam pressure.
• Introduce hands-on, experiential learning early.
• Open career awareness and skill exposure in middle school.
   This creates balanced learners with practical skills and better readiness for secondary streams and vocational pathways.

 How the Kaushal Bodh skill curriculum works (simple)

Time & timetable

• ~110 hours per year (~160 short periods) per grade.
• Schools are advised to use two back-to-back periods twice a week or equivalent blocks for projects.
• Skill periods are additional to core subjects, not replacements.

Structure & domains

Learning is organised across three work domains:

• Living Things — plants, animals, school garden projects.
• Materials & Machines — crafts, basic tools, small-scale making.
• Human Services — community projects, health & wellness, life skills.

Resources & teacher training

• Primary textbooks: NCERT Kaushal Bodh (Class 6, 7, 8 activity books).
• CBSE & NCERT run teacher orientations; schools should create or adapt Composite Skill Labs for practical activities.

Sample skill modules (what students may learn)

Schools choose modules suitable for local context. Common examples include:

• Artificial Intelligence (intro) — age-appropriate AI concepts & simple projects.
• Basic Coding & Digital Citizenship — block coding, online safety.
• Design Thinking & Financial Literacy — problem solving + money basics.
• Nutrition & First Aid — health awareness and home care.
• Traditional Crafts — pottery, block printing, textile crafts.
• Environment & Agriculture — school garden, composting projects.

(Each module is project-based using Kaushal Bodh activity guides.)

Assessment: How students will be evaluated

Assessment emphasises process over marks:

• Project portfolios and reports
• Practical demonstrations & project presentations
• Activity-book completion & reflective journals
• Teacher observations, viva & continuous performance assessment
  CBSE recommends schools include skill module performance in the school report card using a balanced weightage.

Top benefits for students & parents

• Hands-on learning improves retention and interest.
• Early career awareness — children try different trades/skills.
• Stronger life skills — communication, teamwork, problem-solving.
• Less exam stress — focus on competency, not rote scores.

Challenges schools & parents should watch

• Resource gaps: smaller schools may need time to set up labs.
• Teacher readiness: meaningful projects require teacher training and planning time.
• Equity: urban schools may roll out faster — parents should ensure quality, not just activity-based filler.

FAQ‘S

What parents should do now (actionable)

• Ask your school for the Skill Education timetable and module list.
• Request a copy of the Kaushal Bodh activity book for your child’s class.
• Attend school orientation and ask about assessment rubrics.
• Encourage home projects: gardening, basic coding apps, or craft work.
• Share feedback if projects feel superficial — insist on meaningful outcomes.