Govt. To Introduce Skill-Based Curriculum In Classes 11 & 12

NEW DELHI: The Union government is preparing to integrate skill-based learning into the senior secondary school curriculum, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said, adding that it will bring a “paradigm shift” in the country’s education system.

The initiative, he noted, is in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritises competency over certificates and degrees.

Speaking at the hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Pradhan announced that Classes 11 and 12 will soon have a formal skill-oriented curriculum in addition to the existing science, commerce, and humanities streams.

“We are on the job to introduce skill-based curriculum for Class 11 and 12. Education should not just be about degrees, but about making students competent,” he said.

He explained that the new structure would open opportunities for students to pursue computer programming, drone technology, and AI, alongside core subjects like mathematics and languages.

He stressed that the earlier model of optional skill-based learning will now be replaced with mandatory inclusion from Class 6 onwards. “Skill education will no longer remain selective. It will become a formal part of the curriculum,” he added.

Pradhan said the focus must shift from producing degree-holders to nurturing competent individuals prepared for the future economy. He pointed out that the NEP 2020 recommends introducing skill-based learning at every stage, and its implementation will be critical for achieving the Centre’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Pleased to address young and innovative minds from across the country at the ‘DakshinaPatha Summit 2025’ being hosted at @iitmadras.

Spoke about the future-focused facets of NEP 2020 and how it is a pathway to Viksit Bharat. NEP 2020 is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ in action. We… pic.twitter.com/V6hWN6cdbT

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 21, 2025

Pradhan lauded IIT Madras for fostering innovation and promoting student-led startups. Recalling his interaction with IIT students and faculty, he thanked Director V. Kamakoti and his team for encouraging special talents, including those who excel in sports and music.

‘IITM for All’

The Minister met with the students enrolled under the ‘IITM for All’ initiative, which seeks to make IIT Madras accessible to rural and underprivileged students. These students are pursuing a four-year online BS Data Science programme designed to expand opportunities for those outside the traditional IIT admission system.

Pradhan observed that India now has more than 1.75 lakh startups, with many founders becoming job creators rather than job seekers. “The new narrative is about entrepreneurship and innovation, and IITs are competing with each other in this direction,” he said.

Calling the NEP 2020 a “philosophical document,” Pradhan asserted that every recommendation in the policy will need to be implemented in the next two decades.