The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) brings an important update offering skill and vocational education to students of Classes 06 to 12. CBSE has issued an important notice announcing guidelines for establishing Composite Skill Labs in all CBSE affiliated schools.
Why the Establishment of Composite Skill Labs
Skill education is now an integral and mandatory part of school education. Focus on skill-based learning is an important part of academics in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) 2023.
Benefits of Composite Skill Labs
The establishment of Composite Skill Labs aims at developing practical learning skills and competencies among students. Composite Skill Labs will thus serve as a crucial infrastructure that bridges the gap between conceptual understanding and practical learning. These labs would facilitate hands-on-learning environments in schools.
These Composite Skill Labs should focus on:
- Accessibility
- Safety
- Adaptability to support hands-on-learning activities across all skill sectors
Guidelines for Establishing Composite Skill Labs by CBSE
The following are the important guidelines to be followed by schools while establishing the Composite Skill Labs:
- Schools can set up one lab of 600 sq.ft. area for Classes 06 to 12 or two separate labs of 400 sq.ft. area each, one for Classes 06 to 10 and other for Classes 11 and 12.
- For schools that are freshly affiliated with CBSE must mandatorily establish a Composite Skill Lab with all the necessary equipments and machinery.
- For schools that are already affiliated with CBSE must establish a Composite Skill Lab with all the necessary equipments and machinery, within three years, that is by 22 August, 2027.
Note: The list of tools mentioned by the Board are suggestive and schools can adopt them based on their readiness.
Read the guideline booklet carefully to understand the infrastructure requirements, tool specifications, safety norms, and implementation.
Conclusion
The establishment of Composite Skill Labs aims at augmenting students with practical competencies and skills. All CBSE affiliated schools are advised to take timely steps as required for the establishment and effective optimisation of the Composite Skill Labs.
Source
Official Notice by CBSE, 20 March, 2026: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the CBSE, Education Ministry, and Government of India.
