The Delhi government recently announced the introduction of a pre-vocational education programme titled ‘Kaushal Bodh’ starting from the year 2025–26. The programme is primarily directed at students in classes 6 to 8, with the first part of the initiative starting for grade 6 this year.
The ‘Kaushal Bodh’ initiative has the goal of teaching middle school students essential life skills needed to survive and thrive by oneself should the need arise. The initiative aims to reach this goal through vocational classes and experiential learning. Initially, the programme will be introduced for Class 6 students and will progressively extend to Classes 7 and 8 in the subsequent academic years.
Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, the curriculum is structured around three core domains, with those domains being ‘Work with Life Forms’, ‘Work with Machines and Materials’, and ‘Work in Human Services’. Students will undertake one project from each domain annually, dedicating a total of 110 hours per year to these hands-on activities.
Evaluation of students will encompass written tests, oral presentations, activity logs, portfolios, and continuous teacher observations, emphasising both practical skills and theoretical understanding.
Teachers will receive specialised training to effectively guide students through the programme, ensuring safety and fostering collaboration. School principals are tasked with overseeing the implementation, supporting teacher training, and integrating vocational education into the school environment.
To showcase student projects and encourage community participation, the Education Department plans to organise ‘Kaushal Melas.’ These events will provide a platform for students to demonstrate their skills and for stakeholders to engage with the programme’s outcomes.
The programme also aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for the inclusion of vocational education from an early stage. The policy emphasises that such early exposure will encourage students to make informed career choices and help reduce the dropout rate by making education more engaging and relevant.
To ensure effective implementation, the Delhi government is collaborating with industry professionals, vocational training institutes, and NGOs. Teachers will receive special training, and infrastructure upgrades will be carried out to accommodate hands-on learning activities.
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The ‘Kaushal Bodh’ programme represents a forward-thinking approach to education, emphasising the importance of practical skills alongside academic knowledge. By introducing vocational training at the middle school level, the Delhi government aims to prepare students for real-world challenges and opportunities, fostering a generation of self-reliant and skilled individuals. If successful, this new pre-vocational education model for the early grades of schooling could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the country.
