IIT Gandhinagar and CBSE Renew Partnership for 3030 Eklavya Programme Through 2031
The Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar (IITGN), and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend the highly successful 3030 Eklavya programme for an additional five years, with operations now set to continue until 2031. This strategic renewal aims to significantly bolster long-term professional development in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for school teachers across India, reinforcing a commitment to innovative pedagogical approaches.
Expanding Impact Through Creative and Experiential Learning
Under the leadership of the Centre for Creative Learning (CCL) at IIT Gandhinagar, the 3030 Eklavya programme has established itself as a premier online initiative in the realm of school education. It has reached tens of thousands of educators nationwide, with over 73,800 CBSE teachers actively registered and submitting assignments. The programme's 10-episode series has achieved remarkable engagement, accumulating more than 1.3 million views on YouTube, highlighting its widespread appeal and effectiveness in transforming traditional teaching methods.
The MoU was finalized following a visit by Rahul Singh, Chairman of CBSE, to the IIT Gandhinagar campus. During this visit, discussions centered on expanding innovative, activity-based learning initiatives that align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The 3030 Eklavya programme is specifically designed as a structured 30-hour Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiative. It integrates live demonstrations, hands-on STEM activities, curriculum integration, and assessments, all tailored to enhance teacher competencies and student learning outcomes.
Key Successes and Future Goals
One of the programme's most notable achievements occurred when its inaugural episode, titled 'Computing with Soap,' trended on YouTube. Participants enthusiastically commented, 'Science looks more engaging than Bollywood!' This viral moment underscores the programme's success in making mathematics and science subjects more accessible, visual, and engaging, moving beyond conventional classroom techniques.
Prof. Manish Jain, founder of CCL, emphasized the programme's innovative approach, stating, 'Educators across various age groups have consistently praised the programme for its storytelling methodology, real-life connections, and hands-on challenges. These elements are crucial in sustaining learner interest and fostering a deeper understanding of STEM concepts.'
With the new MoU in effect, IIT Gandhinagar and CBSE are poised to scale the impact of the 3030 Eklavya programme even further. The collaboration seeks to reinforce the pivotal role of creative and experiential pedagogy in revolutionizing STEM education across Indian schools. By continuing to empower teachers with cutting-edge tools and methodologies, the initiative aims to cultivate a more dynamic and effective educational landscape, ultimately benefiting students nationwide.
