Composite Skill Lab

As per a 2024 CBSE circular (no. 75/2024), all affiliated schools must establish a “Composite Skill Lab” to promote hands-on, multidisciplinary skill development in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE).

Objectives of Composite Skill Labs
These labs are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application by:

Encouraging experiential learning: Providing students with a practical,
hands-on environment for experiments and projects.
Developing 21st-century skills: Fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Enhancing employability: Aligning curriculum and training with industry standards to prepare students for diverse careers.
Integrating skill subjects: Offering specialized training in subjects mapped to the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Mandatory timelines and requirements

New Affiliations: Schools applying for fresh CBSE affiliation must have a fully equipped Composite Skill Lab as a mandatory prerequisite.
Existing Affiliations: Schools already affiliated with CBSE have a three-year period from the date of the circular (August 27, 2024) to establish the lab.

Space and setup requirements
Schools have two options for the lab setup, based on the age group of students they cater to:

Single Lab (600 sq. ft.): One comprehensive Composite Skill Lab for students in Classes 6 to 12.
Two Separate Labs (400 sq. ft. each): One lab dedicated to Classes 6 to 10 and a separate lab for Classes 11 and 12.

The lab space should be properly organized and equipped to facilitate different activities simultaneously. Key features of the space should include:

Modular furniture and movable partitions for flexible arrangements.
Designated zones for different activities, such as wet areas for chemistry and dry areas for electronics.
Basic infrastructure like power outlets, ventilation, water supply, and internet connectivity.

Equipment and focus areas
The labs must be equipped to cover a multidisciplinary range of skills, including but not limited to:

STEM Education: Robotics, coding, AI, IoT, and 3D printing.
Creative Arts: Graphic design, photography, and music production.
Vocational Skills: Practical training in trades such as electronics, automobile
technology, agriculture, or banking.
Safety Equipment: Fire extinguishers and first aid kits are mandatory.
Computer Lab: Schools must also adhere to specific computer lab requirements for examinations like SAFAL, which detail specifications for
operating systems, hardware, network, and security.

Teacher training and curriculum
To maximize the effectiveness of the labs, schools must focus on:

Teacher Training: Providing professional development for educators to effectively use lab resources and integrate them into the curriculum using
interdisciplinary teaching methods.
Curriculum Integration: Mapping lab activities to CBSE’s skill-based curriculum and ensuring hands-on learning experiences are a regular part of
the students’ education.