Indian Schools to Integrate Skill-Based Curriculum Under NEP 2020

Date & Author: September 23, 2025 | By Radhika Sharma, Education Correspondent

India is set to overhaul its secondary education framework by integrating skill-based learning into the curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This marks a shift from traditional academic models to a more hands-on, competency-driven approach.

The Ministry of Education is working to embed practical subjects such as coding, artificial intelligence, drone technology, and advanced mathematics into the formal curriculum. These subjects will complement core disciplines like languages and sciences. The initiative also extends to middle school levels, with skill modules being introduced from Class 6 onwards.

Institutions like IIT Madras are supporting this transition through programs like ‘IITM for All’, which offers online degrees to students from underprivileged backgrounds. Additionally, multilingual education is being promoted to enhance global competence, with emphasis on languages such as English, Mandarin, and Tamil.

The government aims to implement NEP 2020 recommendations in phases, targeting full integration by 2047. This foundational reform is expected to prepare students for global challenges and foster innovation across sectors.