Learning will now go beyond books... CBSE makes 'skill education' compulsory for grades 6 to 8, and children will learn real-life tasks.

Students will be required to complete nine projects over three years, from grades 6 to 8. Each year, students will spend approximately 90 hours on three projects, totaling 270 hours of practical work.

In line with the new education policy, the CBSE has made skill education compulsory for all students from grades 6 to 8. Education in schools will no longer be limited to books and exams; instead, children will also learn real-life activities such as plant care, machine learning, and service work. The aim is to promote 'learning by doing,' not just 'memorizing by reading.'

The CBSE has directed all affiliated schools to implement skill-based education as a core subject, not an optional one. Under the National Education Policy 2020, new books from the NCERT's "Skill Bodh Series" will be adopted in every school from this session (2025–26). These books will be available in both digital and print formats.

Skills will be divided into three categories: work with living beings, machines, and services.

According to the new framework, students will be engaged in three types of skills: work with living beings—such as caring for plants and pets; work with machines and materials—such as basic understanding of tools, equipment, and technology; and human services—such as work involving social cooperation and service.

Three projects to be completed each year, totaling 270 hours of practical work.

Students will complete nine projects over the three years from sixth to eighth grade. Each year, children will spend approximately 90 hours in three projects, totaling 270 hours of practical work. The objective is to progress based not just on what they studied, but on what they did and how they learned.

School routines will also change; skill education periods will be incorporated into the timetable.

Schools will have to make major changes to their timetables.

Each year, 110 hours (approximately 160 periods) will be dedicated solely to skills education.

Two consecutive periods per week will be dedicated to this subject.

Schools will be able to choose three projects from the six projects listed in the textbook, based on local needs and resources.

New system to be implemented from the next session

CBSE has clarified that this new framework for skills education will be mandatory from this session. Schools will have to ensure the necessary resources, trained teachers, and a project-based system. To ensure the success of skills education, CBSE, NCERT, and PSSIVE will jointly conduct a comprehensive teacher training campaign. After training, teachers will adopt a new methodology of project-based learning, activity design, and evaluation.

Annual Skills Fair to be organized

At the end of each academic year, schools will organize a "Skills Fair" where students will showcase their projects, models, and experiences. This will also help parents understand what children are learning beyond the textbooks. The assessment process for skills education will also change. 10% of the marks will be based on written exams. 30% marks will be added for oral examination, 30% for activity book, 10% for portfolio and 20% for teacher assessment.