257 Delhi government schools to offer vocational courses from this academic year
The Delhi Directorate of Education has cleared the rollout of vocational subjects in 257 additional government schools from this academic session, aiming to align school education more closely with career development. Vocational or skill-based education has taken center stage under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, where school curricula are infused with practical training.The addition of National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) courses for schools in Delhi is in line with this vision, giving students a chance at real-world skill development right from an early age.advertisementAccording to a May 23 circular, students of Class 9 and Class 11 can pursue these new skill subjects, with a subject having an intake capacity of 50 students in each school.
Subjects among the highest in demand for NSQF are Information Technology, Retail, Healthcare, and Beauty and Wellness -- domains chosen on the basis of their employability and match with current trends in the employment scene.ORGANISING OF COUNSELLING SESSIONSThe circular also informs that schools have been directed to organise counselling sessions to educate students and their parents about the scope, pattern, and future scope of vocational education.In a lenient measure, students enrolling in Class 11 are free to take these subjects even if they have not studied them in earlier classes.These subjects are optional, and students may opt out if they desire a traditional academic course of study. CBSE rules state that no advance permission is needed to add these extra courses -- schools need only notify the CBSE portal of required information.advertisementExperts believe that this expansion will be a big step towards bridging the gap between school education and employment, in a country where employability of graduates remains an issue of concern.Delhi, by promoting secondary level skill education, is following other states in pushing India ahead towards its national goal of a more skilled and agile workforce.Must Watch
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