CBSE Skill Education Training officially commences on January 5, 2026, marking a decisive shift toward classroom reality for vocational learning. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated these face-to-face Capacity Building Programmes (CBPs) to prepare teachers and school leaders for implementing the new skill curriculum in Classes 6 to 8. Specifically, this initiative supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goal of integrating hands-on learning early in middle school.
News at a Glance
| Subject of Announcement | Capacity Building Programme for Skill Education |
| Concerned Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Effective Dates | January 5, 2026 – January 31, 2026 |
| Key Impact | Teachers, Principals, and Coordinators (Classes 6-8) |
| Training Mode | Offline, Face-to-Face (1 Day) |
| Official Material | NCERT Kaushal Bodh Activity Books |
Latest Update & Context
The board is moving skill education from a theoretical “good idea” to a structured, mandatory weekly activity. Consequently, CBSE has scheduled one-day workshops across multiple cities to address the gap where schools previously failed to implement competency-based textbooks effectively.
Notably, the training is not limited to teachers; it explicitly targets directors, principals, and vice-principals to ensure implementation is supervised at the leadership level. The sessions will utilize local Sahodaya School Complex support and focus on practical applications using the NCERT Kaushal Bodh activity books.
Key Changes & Important Highlights
- Mandatory Schedule: Schools must allocate 110 hours annually (approx. 160 periods) for skill education.
- Time Block Requirement: The board suggests two consecutive periods twice a week to allow sufficient time for setting up and testing projects.
- Three Domains: Students must complete three projects per year involving life forms, materials/machines, and human services.
- No Training Fee: The workshops are free of charge, though no TA/DA is admissible.
- Required Material: Participants must carry the Kaushal Bodh textbooks to the venue.
- Assessment Weightage: Evaluation is integrated into internal assessment, with 30% for the activity book, 30% for viva/presentation, and 20% for teacher observation.
How Schools Must Implement Skill Education
The training emphasizes a shift from conventional “chapters” to “projects”. Schools are expected to identify existing staff whose subjects align with project themes, rather than hiring separate vocational faculty. Additionally, the academic year should culminate in a Kaushal Mela (Skill Fair) where students showcase their nine completed projects (by the end of Class 8).
Crucially, the Kaushal Bodh books provide six suggested projects per grade, from which schools must choose two per work area. Alternatively, institutions can design their own projects if they adhere to guidelines and utilize local resources.
Expert Commentary & Future Outlook
This initiative represents a “quietly radical” promise for the 2026 academic session. By enforcing structured hours and assessments, CBSE ensures skill education stops being a “token activity”. For students entering middle school, the curriculum will now mirror real-world work dynamics, focusing on making, fixing, and presenting rather than rote memorization.
Quick Reference Links
| Resource | Details |
| Schedule Period | Jan 5 – Jan 31, 2026 |
| Venues | Varanasi, Delhi, Gurugram, Lucknow, etc. |
| Timing | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Action Required | Contact venue school directly to confirm |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to attend the CBSE Skill Education Training?
The training is open to directors, principals, vice-principals, coordinators, and teachers responsible for Classes 6-8.
2. Is there a fee for the Capacity Building Programme?
No, there is no fee for attending the workshop, but participants must cover their own travel expenses as no TA/DA is provided.
3. What materials must teachers bring to the venue?
Teachers are strictly required to bring the NCERT Kaushal Bodh textbooks to ensure the discussion remains practical and rooted in classroom material.
4. How will students be evaluated under this new mandate?
Assessment is internal, featuring a mix of written tests (10%), viva/presentations (30%), activity books (30%), portfolios (10%), and teacher observations (20%).
5. Can schools design their own projects instead of using Kaushal Bodh?
Yes, schools are allowed to design their own projects provided they follow official guidelines and keep the work relevant to the local context.