Delhi Govt Expands Vocational Education: Skill-Based Courses Introduced in 257 More Schools

In a significant push towards integrating vocational training into mainstream education, the Delhi government has approved the rollout of skill-based subjects in 257 additional government schools starting this academic session, as per a circular issued by the Directorate of Education on May 23.

These skill subjects fall under the Samagra Shiksha initiative and aim to equip students in Classes 9 and 11 with hands-on learning and industry-relevant skills alongside their regular curriculum. Each school can enroll up to 50 students per subject, encouraging broader participation in career-oriented learning.

To guide students in making informed decisions, schools have been asked to conduct counselling sessions detailing the benefits and future prospects associated with these vocational courses. Notably, students entering Class 11 can opt for a skill subject even if they haven’t studied it in the earlier grades, thanks to the policy’s flexible multi-entry and multi-exit structure.

However, participation in these skill subjects remains optional, not mandatory. Schools can offer these courses as additional learning avenues without making them compulsory for all students.

As per CBSE norms, schools do not require separate permissions to introduce new vocational subjects. They simply need to update the necessary information on the CBSE portal.

The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) subjects being offered include practical disciplines such as Information Technology, Retail, Healthcare, and Beauty & Wellness—all designed to boost employability and prepare students for real-world careers.

Source: PTI

(Image: AI generated)