Chennai: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Union government plans to incorporate skill-based learning into the curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Speaking at an event at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on Sunday, Pradhan stressed the necessity for a shift in learning methodologies, indicating that the previous system prioritized certificates and degrees over genuine competency. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the significance of merging certification with practical skills. The Union minister also indicated that his ministry is working on introducing skill-based learning from Class 6 onwards.
Previously optional, skill-based education will now be formally included in the curriculum as a subject, representing a major transformation in the approach to school education. According to Pradhan, one of the key recommendations of NEP 2020 is the incorporation of skill-based education. This initiative aims to ensure that students are not just academically qualified but also possess the practical abilities necessary for success in today’s workforce. The reform is part of the government’s broader objective to create a more holistic educational experience, moving away from rote learning towards developing competencies applicable in real-world situations.
The ministry is actively engaged in designing the new curriculum for senior secondary classes, with skill-based subjects anticipated to become a core element of the education system in the near future.