Only 47% of schools offer skill-based courses, few students opt to enrol: Survey
More concerning is that just 29% of Grade 9 students have opted to enrol in any such courses.The findings are based on data collected from over 74,000 schools and over 21 lakh students across Grades 3, 6 and 9.The survey aimed to assess not only learning levels but also institutional practices that support 21st-century competencies such as vocational and skill education.NEED FOR GREATER INTEGRATION OF SKILL COURSESThe report notes that the limited availability of skill-based education points to systemic gaps in preparing students for careers."The findings highlight the need for greater integration of skill education in schools,' the report states. It recommends that policymakers introduce diverse sector skill-based courses, enhance infrastructure, and create awareness among students about employment opportunities linked to vocational learning.Moreover, the report suggests strengthening industry partnerships to ensure that skill courses remain relevant to evolving market needs. It adds that resources like those listed by PSSCIVE can be useful in enhancing training quality and student employability.ACCESS AND AWARENESS STILL A CHALLENGEDespite the government's push through schemes like PM e-VIDYA and platforms like DIKSHA, adoption of vocational learning remains low.The PARAKH report notes that students often lack access, awareness, and encouragement to pursue such courses, even when they are offered.The report recommends popularising initiatives like PARAKH Udyam Sansaar, which focuses on AI competencies, and embedding them into school-level programming.THE WAY FORWARDTo close this gap, the report calls for strategic steps: offering financial and infrastructure support to schools, integrating skill education into regular curricula, and building awareness through career counselling sessions.These moves are essential if India aims to align with the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes competency-based and career-oriented learning.If implemented effectively, these interventions could bridge the gap between education and employability, enabling students to build the practical skills needed for today's workforce.- Ends
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