The Chandigarh Administration has expanded skill elective courses to all 42 government senior secondary schools starting from the academic session 2026-27. This move marks a significant milestone in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) vision for vocational education.
Ending Limited Availability
Previously, vocational education was only available in 23 government senior secondary schools. The expansion now opens skill-learning opportunities to students across Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams throughout the city. This ensures broader access to practical training and career-oriented education.
Diverse Course Offerings
Under the expanded framework, students can choose from 30 skill elective courses spanning emerging technologies, commerce, healthcare, hospitality, design, wellness, and technical trades. High-demand subjects include Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Web Applications, Banking, Marketing, Financial Market Management, Business Administration, and Health Care. Other sectors covered are Tourism, Food Production, Fashion Studies, Beauty and Wellness, Yoga, Electrical Technology, Electronics, Automotive, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Front Office Operations, and Salesmanship.
Officials stated that the initiative bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. It equips students with practical skills, workplace exposure, and career awareness at the school level. The programme is expected to strengthen employability, entrepreneurship, and informed career decision-making among students as the economy shifts towards skill-driven opportunities.
Support and Investment
To support the expansion, the Administration will engage 38 additional part-time skill trainers. This supplements the existing workforce of 110 regular and contractual vocational educators. The initiative involves an estimated expenditure of about Rs 1.2 crore.
Reallocation of Vocational Seats
The Department of School Education has rationalised and reallocated 1,755 vocational seats across different streams. This exercise increases the overall Class XI intake in government schools from 13,875 to 13,920 seats. It also provides greater flexibility for students to choose academic and skill combinations aligned with their interests and career aspirations.
Education experts have long advocated for wider integration of vocational subjects in schools. Early exposure to practical skills improves students' readiness for higher education, professional training, and employment. The NEP 2020 similarly emphasises vocational education and experiential learning as key pillars of school reforms, aiming to make skill education accessible to a large proportion of learners.
Official Statements
School Education Secretary Prerna Puri said the initiative reflects the department's commitment to holistic education. It aims to ensure every child performs well academically and develops relevant life and career skills. The expanded programme helps students become confident, self-reliant, and future-ready citizens. The department has undertaken extensive planning for implementation, including deployment of trained instructors, academic support mechanisms, and continuous monitoring to ensure quality delivery according to CBSE standards.
With skill education now available in every government senior secondary school, Chandigarh has taken a significant step towards mainstreaming vocational learning and creating a more flexible, multidisciplinary school education system. The reform is expected to widen career pathways for students while aligning education outcomes with the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
Administrator's Vision
“The expansion of skill education to all Government Senior Secondary Schools reflects our commitment to making education more relevant, practical, and future-oriented. By integrating emerging technologies and industry-linked courses into mainstream schooling, we are empowering every student with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century economy,” said Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator.
