Now, vocational subjects for students of junior classes

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 13

Gone are the days when students used to opt for vocational subjects after Class XII. These will now be introduced even before Class X. Last year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced several vocational subjects for Class IX onwards.

Some schools in the city are also providing the students the option of subjects such as artificial intelligence and robotics in the early years to equip them with the concept in their growing years.

There are five subjects which are compulsory and for the sixth, the students can either opt for a language or a vocational subject in Class IX. In languages, apart from Hindi and Punjabi, the option of Sanskrit and French is also available.

Paramjit Kaur, principal, BCM Senior Secondary School, said last year they had introduced vocational subjects for Class IX while the syllabus for Class X and XII remained unchanged. This year the school has introduced a course in artificial intelligence to the students of Class VIII.

“Students are keen on opting vocational subjects as these subjects are centred around their interest. Many students opt for finance management as it will help them in the long run. Information technology also finds many takers. Introducing vocational subjects at an early age is useful in the long run as this helps students to make conscious choices regarding their future. They find their interest areas and can stick to them in future,” said Paramjit Kaur.

A student studying in Class IV at a private school in Sarabha Nagar, said last year the school introduced robotics and she opted for it. “I love this subject and I look forward to the class which is held once a week. I find this subject really interesting,” she said .

Kanika, a parent of Class IX student, said it was very good that the schools introduced the subject early so that they could understand their interests and carry on the same in the future, she said.

Option of subjects

• Some schools in the city are also providing the students the option of subjects such as artificial intelligence and robotics in the early years to equip them with the concept in their growing years.

• There are five subjects which are compulsory and for the sixth, the students can either opt for a language or a vocational subject in Class IX.