School education in India is rapidly changing, and for the better. With the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encouraging the integration of vocational education from Class 6 onwards, there’s a growing push to make learning more relevant, experiential, and aligned with real-world careers.

This shift becomes especially significant at the secondary and higher secondary levels (Classes 9 to 12), where students begin to consolidate their learning and explore future career paths.

Among the many enablers of this transition, practical labs stand out as a critical tool to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and industry application.

The need for industry participation in school education

While curriculum reforms have laid the foundation, implementation requires strong industry-academia collaboration. Without industry support, it becomes challenging for schools to:

Keep up with rapidly evolving technologies
Provide access to modern training tools
Deliver relevant and experiential learning

As students’ progress into higher grades, vocational learning evolves from basic exposure to specialization and application. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF 2023) reinforces this, stating that in the secondary stage, learners should gain competencies through:

Work with machines and materials
Work in human services
Work with life forms

“In the Secondary Stage, the first two years would work towards consolidating capacities to develop transferable skills that serve students well in any vocation. In the last two years, students will be given opportunities to specialize in specific vocations of their choice.” – National Curriculum Framework for School education (2023)

Clearly, vocational education cannot be limited to textbooks or classroom lectures. To deliver what the policy envisions, schools need labs, tools, trained teachers, and real-life exposure, all of which require close collaboration with industry partners.

Why do schools need practical labs now more than ever?

The NEP 2020 envisions a system where every student is introduced to at least one skill during middle school. This early exposure aims to:

Build awareness about various career options
Sensitize students to the world of work
Promote dignity of labour and appreciation for hands-on skills

Subjects like Electronics, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, IT/ITeS, Healthcare, and Beauty and Wellness, as offered by CBSE, demand not just theoretical knowledge but practical exposure that simulates real-world scenarios.

Explore the full list of CBSE skill subjects here: CBSE Skill Education Curriculum

But to make these subjects effective, practical exposure, a key element is still missing in many schools.

The need for practical labs

As vocational education becomes an integral part of school curriculum, especially in subjects like Electronics, Robotics, AI, and IT/ITeS; schools face a critical challenge: How do we move from theory to application?

The answer lies in setting up well-equipped practical labs that bring concepts to life and create real-world learning experiences. Such labs:

Enable students to interact with devices, sensors, and systems
Provide space to experiment, build, and test
Cultivate problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on skills
Align learning with the expectations of modern industry

Without this practical exposure, even the most thoughtfully designed curriculum falls short of its potential.

To address this, Composite Skill Labs, mandated by CBSE offer a powerful and scalable solution for schools aiming to implement skill-based education effectively. These integrated labs combine multi-skill training setups with curriculum alignment, teacher training, and modular infrastructure.

Also read: Is your school ready for Composite Skill Labs? Here’s how we can help

How industry can help with practical labs

To bring vocational education to life, schools need more than curriculum, they need support from industry to create hands-on, future-ready learning environments.

Here’s how the industry can make a difference:

Provide modular lab infrastructure that aligns with school-level vocational subjects

Support teacher training for operating and maintaining technical labs
Enable workshops and mentoring to expose students to real-world practices
Ensure relevance by keeping labs aligned with current and emerging technologies
Facilitate exposure through projects, demos, or guided activities linked to careers

Practical training solutions from Nvis Technologies reflect this approach by offering integrated, plug-and-play lab setups that support multiple skill domains with ease of implementation. With the right partnerships, schools can bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industry-driven training.

How Nvis brings future technologies into today’s school ecosystem

To take this vision forward, Nvis School Labs Solutions brings future technologies into today’s school experience through tailored lab solutions.

Nvis School Labs Solutions provides cutting-edge laboratory equipment and educational training platforms to enhance hands-on learning in science and technology. These solutions cater to a wide range of subjects, including Physics, Mathematics, Electronics, Electrical, IoT, AI & ML, Coding, Drone, Robotics, 3D Printing, AR-VR, TLM and FLN. Each product is crafted to align with curriculum standards and foster a deeper understanding of scientific principles.

Focusing on innovation and quality, the labs supports schools in creating interactive and effective learning environments. Nvis’s comprehensive support and training ensure that educators and students maximize the potential of each lab setup.

Building future-ready schools through practical learning

By implementing such solutions, schools can transform from traditional institutions to centres of applied learning that prepare students not only for higher education but also for entrepreneurship and employment.

As schools move towards implementing the vision of NEP 2020 and adopting the recommendations of NCF, practical labs are no longer optional. They are essential to ensure that technical education is not just about content but about competence. By setting up industry-aligned labs and embracing hands-on learning, schools empower their students with real skills for real futures.

Tags: 21st Century Skills, Composite Skill Labs, Future-Ready Classrooms, NEP 2020 Implementation, Nvis Skill Labs, Practical Labs for Schools, School-Industry Collaboration, Skill Education in CBSE Schools, Vocational Training in Schools

The National Education Policy (NEP) has ushered in a pivotal shift in how we view education—away from rote learning and towards applied, holistic, and future-ready learning. Among its boldest mandates is the integration of skill-based subjects in CBSE schools, right from the middle school.

This policy decision could soon become a turning point in the evolution of schools in India! As CBSE pushes for concrete compliance, schools find themselves racing against time—to choose the right skill subjects, to prepare the right infrastructure, and to deliver outcomes that matter.

The question is no longer if you should introduce skill subjects. It’s how soon and how well.

Why skill subjects can no longer wait

Skill subjects are not just electives or value-adds, they could anchor a future-ready curriculum. They promote 21st-century competencies like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. But most importantly, they map directly to emerging career pathways.

With industries becoming skill-driven and digital creating new jobs every year, students need exposure, not just theoretical information. By introducing skill subjects early, schools give students a head start in aligning education with employability.

Understanding the CBSE landscape: What’s on the table?

CBSE currently offers 18 skill subjects at the Secondary level and 38 skill subjects at the Senior Secondary level, ranging from IT and Artificial Intelligence to Beauty & Wellness, Financial Literacy, Marketing, Data Science, and Electronics & Hardware.

For school leaders, the decision-making process can feel overwhelming:

Which subject fits our context?
What’s feasible to implement?
Will we find the right faculty?
What infrastructure is needed?
What are students truly interested in?

This is where a structured, consultative approach becomes vital.

How to strategically introduce skill subjects in CBSE classrooms

Introducing skill subjects in your curriculum is not merely a policy compliance exercise—it’s a strategic investment in your institution’s future relevance. Here’s a leadership-aligned framework to approach this transformation deliberately and sustainably:

1. Start with institutional readiness

Before shortlisting subjects, few critical points can be considered:

Does your current infrastructure support technical or hands-on learning?
Are your labs adaptable or upgradeable?
More importantly, do you have—or can you source—faculty who are not just qualified, but industry-aligned?

This self-audit forms the foundation for responsible subject selection.

2. Align with emerging career pathways

Skill education should anticipate trends by closely following the industry and job markets.

Look at where industries are headed: AI, Automation, Electronics, Robotics, Data Handling, Renewable Energy. Choose subjects that connect learners to the jobs of tomorrow, not yesterday.

For instance, introducing Artificial Intelligence, Electronics & Hardware, or IT at the school level opens early exposure to fast-growing sectors, preparing students to be not just eligible—but employable.

3. Prioritize student interest and engagement

Besides, policy and infrastructure, true success of introducing skill courses depends on the students’ interest and how it aligns with their career dreams.

Hence, it’s meaningful to engage learners early—through surveys, orientation sessions, career talks, or introductory modules. Let them explore. Their curiosity will often reveal which skills resonate most deeply.

It’s often observed, subjects selected by choice, not by force, will yield the most meaningful outcomes.

4. Plan for a phased, adaptive rollout

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Start small—perhaps with one subject across a couple of grades. Measure response, assess outcomes, and adjust accordingly.

Think of it as a journey to be mapped. A staggered rollout allows for curriculum refinement, staff training, and infrastructure upgrades—without overwhelming your ecosystem.

How schools can de-risk the transition

Many schools face barriers like lack of awareness, hesitation about technical subjects, or perceived cost of implementation. The truth is, with the right guidance and ecosystem partnerships, skill education can be made accessible, scalable, and impactful.

This is where solution providers like Nvis Technologies bring real value as partners in readiness. From advisory support in subject selection to setting up modular labs and faculty training, Nvis helps schools navigate the change with years of industry expertise.

Partnering for implementation: The role of ecosystem enablers

For many schools, one of the greatest barriers in implementing skill subject isn’t the intent—it’s execution. How do you translate strategic vision into hands-on implementation? This is where partners like Nvis Technologies become critical collaborators.

With two decades of expertise in education technology and skill development infrastructure, Nvis supports CBSE schools in bridging the readiness gap—offering

advisory support for subject selection, customized lab setups, and faculty enablement programs. Their role is not just as a provider, but as a strategic partner helping schools unlock the full potential of NEP’s vision—practically, sustainably, and affordably.

Going beyond compliance: Building a skill-forward culture

Introducing a skill subject is about fostering a mindset shift—from textbook learning to hands-on exploration. Schools that lead in this space don’t just implement—they inspire.

Creating a “skill-forward culture” involves:

Embedding project-based learning
Partnering with local industries or start-ups for exposure
Hosting skill exhibitions and competitions
Encouraging student-led initiatives or entrepreneurship clubs

The question before school leaders today isn’t whether to adapt, effectively implement and achieve the desired outcomes.

Those who move early and strategically will do more than meet compliance—they will redefine the learning experience, close the gap between education and employability, and equip students with skills that are relevant for the future.

With trusted partners, a phased roadmap, and a clear vision, this transition can become a launchpad for academic excellence, innovation, and long-term impact.

Start the conversation with us

At Nvis, we believe that meaningful change begins with dialogue. If you’re a school leader, educator, or curriculum planner exploring the integration of skill subjects—we invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or specific requirements with us. Whether you’re seeking clarity, exploring options, or ready to take the next step, our team is here to support you.

Let’s shape future-ready learning together. Connect with us today.

Tags: 21st Century Skills, CBSE Skill Subjects, Curriculum Innovation, Education Policy India, Future-Ready Classrooms, NEP 2020 Implementation, Nvis for Skill Labs, School Leadership Strategy, Skill Education in CBSE Schools, Vocational Training in Schools

Tag: Vocational Training in Schools

How practical labs make technical education and skilling industry-driven