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CBSE Circular 81/2025: Mandatory Skill Education Implementation

CBSE Circular 81/2025: Mandatory Skill Education Implementation

CBSE Circular 81/2025: Mandatory Skill Education Implementation for Classes VI-VIII

📥 Download Full CBSE Circular 81/2025

Important Update for School Teachers, Parents, and Administrators

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued Circular No. Skill-81/2025 on October 28, 2025, making it mandatory for all CBSE-affiliated schools to implement Skill Education using the new Kaushal Bodh textbooks in classes VI-VIII starting from the academic year 2025-2026. This is a significant initiative aligned with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for Skill Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

What is This Circular About?

The CBSE Circular 81/2025 directs all schools affiliated with CBSE to immediately implement the new competency-based Skill Education curriculum in classes VI, VII, and VIII using NCERT's "Kaushal Bodh" textbook series. This circular follows previous circulars (Acad-29/2024 and Acad-12/2025) regarding the availability of these new textbooks, and addresses the concern that many schools have not yet implemented them despite earlier directives.

Important: The circular makes it clear that implementation is mandatory, not optional, and must commence from the present academic year 2025-2026 itself.

Key Highlights of the Circular

1. Mandatory Implementation Timeline

Effective from: Academic Year 2025-2026 (Current Academic Year)

All CBSE schools must implement the Kaushal Bodh textbooks for Skill Education in classes VI-VIII without further delay. This is a directive from the Competent Authority and is mandatory for all affiliated schools.

2. What is Kaushal Bodh?

Kaushal Bodh is the new series of NCERT textbooks designed for Skill Education. These books are:

  • Competency-Based: Designed to develop practical skills and competencies in students
  • Aligned with NEP-2020: Follows the vision and principles of India's National Education Policy 2020
  • Aligned with NCF-SE 2023: Meets the standards set by the National Curriculum Framework for Skill Education 2023
  • Project-Based: Focuses on learning through practical projects and hands-on experience
  • Available in Multiple Formats: Available as physical books and digital downloads

3. Textbooks Available for Implementation

The Kaushal Bodh series is available for three classes:

  • Kaushal Bodh – Class 6
  • Kaushal Bodh – Class 7
  • Kaushal Bodh – Class 8

Download Kaushal Bodh Textbooks:

Both physical copies and digital versions are available for schools to choose according to their preference and resources.

Curriculum and Implementation Guidelines

1. Curriculum Hours

According to the National Curriculum Framework for Skill Education (NCF-SE) 2023:

Component Duration
Total Skill Education Hours per Year Approximately 110 hours
Periodic Allocation per Year Approximately 160 periods
Weekly Schedule Two consecutive periods, twice a week

Note: Time allocated for examinations is not counted towards the total hours.

Schools must integrate these hours into their regular academic timetable without compromising other subjects.

2. Project-Based Learning Approach

The Kaushal Bodh curriculum uses a project-based learning approach with three forms of work:

Three Forms of Work in Skill Education:

  1. Work with Life Forms: Projects involving agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and similar activities
  2. Work with Materials & Machines: Projects involving crafts, construction, manufacturing, and mechanical skills
  3. Work on Providing Human Services: Projects related to community services, hospitality, healthcare, and social services

Project Requirements:

  • Projects per Class: 3 projects per class (one from each form of work)
  • Total Projects by Class 8: 9 projects completed across all three classes
  • Focus: Students acquire skills through doing, with emphasis on learning process rather than end-product

3. Project Selection

Schools have flexibility in project selection:

Options Available:

  1. Pre-designed Projects: Each Kaushal Bodh textbook contains 6 pre-designed projects (2 for each form of work). Schools can choose one project from each form of work per class.
  2. Custom Projects: Interested schools can design their own projects following guidelines provided in the textbook annexures (Annexures 1-3).

Factors for Project Selection:

  • School context and locality
  • Availability of resources and infrastructure
  • Local vocations and community involvement opportunities
  • Student interests and aptitudes
  • Practical feasibility within the school setting

4. Teacher Identification and Training

Teacher Requirements:

Schools must designate teachers in charge for conducting skill education projects in each class. These teachers are typically:

  • Selected from existing academic subject teachers whose subjects align with the projects (Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, etc.)
  • Teachers with personal interest in skill development
  • Vocational Education Teachers (if available in the school)

Training Support:

CBSE will provide training support for teachers:

  • CBSE Training Programs: Conducted in collaboration with NCERT and PSSCIVE
  • Online Webinar: Scheduled for November 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM (IST)
  • Details to Follow: Additional training resources and materials will be provided

5. Resources and Infrastructure

Schools need to arrange resources for implementing skill education:

Options for Resource Availability:

  1. Utilize existing Composite Skill Labs (CSL) or other relevant laboratories
  2. Procure required tools and equipment, which can later be incorporated into the CSL
  3. Design projects utilizing vocations available in the local community
  4. Invite local experts as resource persons for specialized knowledge
  5. Organize field visits related to projects to provide practical exposure

6. Student Assessment and Evaluation

Student learning in Skill Education will be evaluated through project-based assessments.

Assessment Components and Weightage:

Mode of Assessment Weightage
Written Test 10%
Oral Presentation/Viva Voce 30%
Activity Book 30%
Portfolio 10%
Teachers' Observations during Activities 20%

Integration in Academics:

  • Assessment marks will be integrated into Internal Assessment
  • Internal Assessment marks will be added to the final examination score
  • Schools can determine the exact weightage according to their grading system

7. Kaushal Mela (Skill Fair)

What is Kaushal Mela?

Kaushal Mela (Skill Fair) is an annual event to showcase the skills learned by students through their projects.

Purpose:

  • Celebrate student learning and skill development
  • Showcase practical skills acquired
  • Provide a platform for students to demonstrate competencies
  • Build confidence and motivation among learners

When: Organized at the end of the academic year

Online Training Session

Important Dates and Registration

CBSE Webinar Details:

  • Date: November 10, 2025
  • Time: 2:00 PM (IST)
  • Format: Online session
  • Audience: School principals, teachers, and educational administrators

Registration:

Important: Schools must register before the deadline to attend this important webinar.

Purpose: This online session will provide comprehensive guidance on implementing Kaushal Bodh textbooks and clarify any questions related to the circular.

Support and Clarification

For Queries and Additional Information

Contact Details:

  • Email (Skill Education): jsse.cbse@nic.in
  • Email (Vocational Division): directorvoc.cbse@gmail.com
  • Phone: 011-24050892/893 (CBSE Main Office)
  • Website: https://cbseacademic.nic.in

Schools can write to the provided email addresses for any queries, clarifications, or additional support regarding implementation.

Implementation Timeline Summary

Current Status (October 28, 2025):

  • Circular issued making implementation mandatory
  • Download links and resources available
  • Support structure activated

Immediate Actions Required (By End of October 2025):

  • Understand the circular requirements
  • Plan project selection
  • Identify resource requirements
  • Register teachers
  • Download textbooks

November 2025:

  • Register for the online training session (by November 6)
  • Attend training session (November 10)
  • Begin procurement of resources
  • Finalize project plans

Academic Year 2025-2026:

  • Implement Kaushal Bodh curriculum
  • Conduct projects as per planned schedule
  • Assess students based on project-based criteria
  • Organize Kaushal Mela at year-end

Benefits of This Initiative

For Students

  • Practical Skills Development: Gain hands-on experience in real-world skills
  • Career Awareness: Early exposure to different vocations and career pathways
  • Learning Through Doing: Knowledge acquired through practical application
  • Confidence Building: Successful completion of projects builds self-confidence
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: Foundation for starting own ventures

For Schools

  • Holistic Education: Complements academic learning with practical skills
  • Alignment with NEP 2020: Meets national policy requirements
  • Modern Pedagogy: Implementation of project-based learning approach
  • Community Engagement: Connects school with local vocations and community
  • Student Retention: Increased engagement and interest in learning

For Parents

  • Skill Development: Children develop employable skills alongside academics
  • Career Readiness: Better prepared for post-school opportunities
  • Practical Knowledge: Understanding of different vocational options
  • Holistic Growth: Development beyond just academic scores

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is skill education mandatory in all CBSE schools?
A: Yes, this circular makes it mandatory for all CBSE-affiliated schools to implement Skill Education in classes VI-VIII starting from academic year 2025-2026.

Q: What if my school has already started implementing skill education?
A: That's excellent. Schools already implementing skill education should ensure they are using the officially mandated Kaushal Bodh textbooks and following the guidelines provided in this circular.

Q: Where can we download the Kaushal Bodh textbooks?
A: Textbooks are available on the CBSE Academic Website at https://cbseacademic.nic.in/skill-education-books.html and on the NCERT website. Both free digital downloads and purchase options are available.

Q: Can schools design their own skill education projects instead of using pre-designed ones?
A: Yes, schools can design their own projects following the guidelines provided in the Kaushal Bodh textbook annexures (Annexures 1-3). However, projects must align with the three forms of work and curriculum requirements.

Q: How will skill education be assessed?
A: Skill education will be assessed through project-based assessments using the weightage system: Written Test (10%), Oral Presentation (30%), Activity Book (30%), Portfolio (10%), and Teacher Observations (20%).

Q: Will skill education marks be included in the final examination?
A: Yes, skill education assessment marks will be integrated into Internal Assessment and will be added to the final examination score as per school's grading policy.

Q: What if schools don't have facilities for skill education?
A: Schools can design projects based on locally available resources and vocations. They can also procure necessary tools and equipment. CBSE and NCERT will provide support through training programs.

Q: When should schools start implementation?
A: Schools should start implementation immediately in the current academic year 2025-2026. The circular makes it mandatory without any further extension.

Q: Is training provided for teachers?
A: Yes, CBSE is conducting training programs in collaboration with NCERT and PSSCIVE. An online session is scheduled for November 10, 2025. Schools should register by November 6, 2025 at https://forms.gle/W5twzwsygGwNQYoj9

Key Takeaways for Schools

  1. Immediate Implementation: Start implementing Kaushal Bodh curriculum from the current academic year 2025-2026
  2. Get Resources: Download free Kaushal Bodh textbooks from CBSE Academic Website
  3. Plan Projects: Select projects suited to your school context or design custom projects
  4. Identify Teachers: Designate teachers responsible for skill education implementation
  5. Register for Training: Register for the November 10 webinar for guidance and support
  6. Prepare Infrastructure: Arrange necessary resources and equipment for projects
  7. Communicate with Stakeholders: Inform parents and students about the new skill education program
  8. Plan Assessment: Prepare assessment frameworks based on provided guidelines

Conclusion

CBSE Circular 81/2025 represents a significant step in implementing India's National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes the integration of skill education with academics. This initiative aims to make students not just academically sound but also practically skilled and career-ready.

For all CBSE schools, whether you're a school administrator, teacher, or parent, understanding and implementing this circular is crucial. The project-based learning approach will help students discover their interests, develop practical competencies, and prepare for the future workforce.

Schools that have not yet implemented the Kaushal Bodh textbooks should act immediately, while those already implementing should align with the mandatory guidelines provided in this circular. The support from CBSE through training programs and online sessions will help ensure successful implementation across all schools.

📥 Download Full CBSE Circular 81/2025

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Schools should refer to the official CBSE Circular 81/2025 and subsequent guidelines for accurate and complete information on implementation requirements.

Source: CBSE Circular No. Skill-81/2025 dated October 28, 2025, issued by Dr. Biswajit Saha, Professor and Director (Skill Education), Central Board of Secondary Education.

For More Information: Contact CBSE at jsse.cbse@nic.in or visit https://cbseacademic.nic.in

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