DoE approves vocational courses in 257 more govt schools
Targeted at students in classes IX and XI, the programme will offer hands-on learning opportunities in fields such as information technology, retail, healthcare, and beauty and wellness. This expansion brings the total number of govt schools offering at least one skill-based subject to over 800, as per officials.
As part of the Samagra Shiksha scheme, the newly introduced vocational subjects are designed to equip students with hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills alongside their academic curriculum.
According to an official circular, this initiative seeks to make education more practical and aligned with real-world job markets, reflecting the broader vision of the National Education Policy 2020. Students in classes IX and XI will now have the option to enrol in these vocational courses, with each school expected to accommodate up to 50 students per subject, the officials said.
However, educators have expressed concerns regarding its execution.
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Some schools are already struggling to fill vacancies for core academic subjects, prompting scepticism about how they will manage to recruit skilled professionals to teach specialised vocational courses. "Introducing new subjects is a welcome step, but without trained teachers, it risks becoming a superficial addition," said the principal of a govt school in east Delhi.
While the initiative aligns well with the broader goals of education reform, its success will hinge on several critical factors, including staff training, adequate infrastructure, and strong partnerships with industry.
"We need more than just curriculum changes — we need real investment in teacher training and practical labs," said a teacher.
The revamped curriculum offers students a diverse and forward-looking education. Courses like the 'science of living' aim to nurture emotional and mental well-being by introducing concepts such as yoga, mindfulness, and elderly care from an early age. Students will also be introduced to artificial intelligence, equipping them with foundational knowledge in emerging tech fields like data science and automation.
Entrepreneurial thinking will be fostered through a subject called NEEV (New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Vision), which focuses on innovation, financial literacy, and business strategy. Additionally, a new course titled Rashtraneeti, will engage students with essential themes in democracy, governance, and public policy. The Schools of Applied Learning will offer specialised subjects, such as fashion studies, mechatronics, and financial management from class IX.
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