In a landmark decision aimed at transforming the educational landscape, the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP), commonly known as the UP Board, has announced a major overhaul of its academic framework. Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, vocational education will become a compulsory component for all students from class 9 onwards.
The New Academic Structure: More Subjects, More Skills
This pivotal shift means every student enrolling in class 9 in UP Board-affiliated schools will have to select at least one vocational subject. Consequently, the board examination pattern will see a significant change. The High School (Class 10) board exams in 2028 will be conducted for seven subjects instead of the current six. Similarly, the Intermediate (Class 12) exams in 2030 will include six subjects for most streams, up from five.
The defined structure for class 9 will be as follows:
- First Subject: Hindi or Elementary Hindi.
- Second Subject: A modern Indian language, English, or a classical language (Sanskrit, Pali, Arabic, Persian).
- Third Subject: Mathematics or Home Science (Home Science is an option only for girls).
- Fourth & Fifth Subjects: Science and Social Science, both mandatory.
- Sixth Subject: A vocational course chosen from a wide array including Music, Commerce, Fine Arts, Agriculture, Tailoring, Computer Education, Healthcare, Retail, Automobile, IT/ITES, Plumbing, Electrical, Solar System Repair, and Mobile Repair.
- Seventh Subject: A choice between Life Skills (Moral Education, Yoga, Sports, Community Service) or further Vocational Skill Development via training in a job role from 16 sectors. Crucially, this seventh subject cannot be the same as the sixth vocational subject.
Extension to Higher Classes and Assessment Pattern
The board has outlined a phased implementation. Vocational education will be extended to class 11 from the 2029-30 session. Therefore, in the 2030 Intermediate examinations, students from Humanities, Commerce, and Science streams will appear for six subjects. Agriculture stream students will take seven subjects.
The assessment methodology will also evolve. For class 9, evaluation will be 50% theoretical and 50% practical, conducted internally by schools. At the class 10 level, the board will conduct the 50% theory exam, while schools will handle the 50% practical assessment internally and submit marks to the board.
Mandatory Internships and Grading for Life Skills
In a move to provide real-world exposure, schools have been directed to coordinate with nearby industrial or vocational establishments to ensure a mandatory minimum 10-day internship for students in their chosen job role.
For subjects under the Life Skills and pre-vocational umbrella—such as ethics, yoga, sports, and community service—the board will award grades. These grades will be prominently mentioned on students' marksheets and certificates, emphasizing the holistic development approach.
This comprehensive reform by the UP Board, headquartered in Prayagraj, marks a decisive turn towards a skill-based education system, aiming to equip students with practical competencies alongside traditional academic knowledge for better future readiness.
