CBSE "STEM Education" as the Theme for Teachers' Training 2025-2026

As of today, April 13, 2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has indeed issued significant notices and taken various initiatives concerning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for the academic year 2025-2026. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

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1. "STEM Education" as the Theme for Teachers' Training 2025-2026:

In a notification dated April 1, 2025, CBSE announced "STEM Education" as the central theme for all teachers' training programs for the academic session 2025-2026.

This decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of STEM for a progressive and future-ready education system.

While Capacity Building Programmes (CBPs) around the STEM theme will be prioritized, other regular CBPs will also remain available.

CBSE encourages all affiliated schools to organize STEM-related events and nominate teachers/principals for STEM-based CPD (Continuous Professional Development) programs.

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2. Suggested STEM Activities for Schools:

CBSE has suggested various STEM-based activities that schools can undertake:

District Level Deliberations (STEM-DLD) (Offline): Schools or groups of schools can organize 1-day offline workshops led by experts to foster STEM discussions and competencies. This will be counted as 6 hours of CPD for participating teachers.

Topic Focused Sessions (TFS) on STEM Subjects (Offline/Online): Half-day sessions (3 hours of CPD) can be conducted focusing on various objectives such as appreciating different learning styles, facilitating STEM learning through experts, integrating STEM across the curriculum, fostering critical thinking, promoting problem-solving, connecting STEM to communities, encouraging project-based learning,1 and enhancing competency-based learning.   (www.cbse.gov.in)

Expected Outcomes of STEM Initiatives: CBSE envisions several outcomes, including a supportive STEM environment, experiential learning through motivated teachers, motivated students for STEM/skill subjects, STEM engagement with the community, creating a STEM-literate society, connecting STEM to sustainable practices and local talent, promoting hands-on learning, ensuring gender parity in STEM learning, and enhancing 21st-century skills.

3. 3030 Eklavya STEM Education Online Series:

CBSE, in collaboration with the Center for Creative Learning (CCL), IIT Gandhinagar, launched the 3030 Eklavya STEM Education Online Series starting from January 26, 2025.

This program includes hands-on STEM activities, interesting questions, homework, and assignments to enhance conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.

The program consists of 10 sessions, held live every Sunday at 4:00 PM and also available on the CCL YouTube channel. Each session is equivalent to 3 hours of CPD training.

Certification: Participants can receive a Participation Certificate (for each module or for all by paying once) and a Certificate of Competency (for completing all 10 sessions), both at a nominal fee.

4. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Guidelines 2025:

In a notification also dated April 1, 2025, CBSE released the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Guidelines for 2025.

While "STEM Education" is the overarching theme, the guidelines detail various modules and hours dedicated to different areas, including Value and Ethics, Knowledge and Practice, and Professional Growth and Development.

Schools are required to register their teachers on the training portal for these programs.

Impact and Objectives of CBSE's STEM Initiatives:

Developing Essential Skills: The primary goal is to equip students with crucial skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, and creativity, which are vital in the rapidly evolving technological world.

Alignment with NEP 2020: These initiatives are in direct accordance with the National Education Policy 2020's emphasis on STEM education to prepare students for the future.

Enhancing Teaching Methodologies: Through focused training programs, CBSE aims to empower educators with advanced pedagogical strategies and the ability to integrate technology effectively into their teaching.

Promoting Experiential Learning: The emphasis on hands-on activities, projects, and real-world applications aims to make learning more engaging and effective.

Creating a STEM-Aware Society: By involving schools, teachers, students, and even the community, CBSE aims to foster a widespread understanding and appreciation for STEM fields.

Preparing for Future Careers: By focusing on STEM, CBSE intends to prepare students for the increasing demands of careers in technology, engineering, science, and mathematics.

In conclusion, CBSE has issued significant notices and launched concrete initiatives in 2025 to promote STEM education, primarily through focused teacher training programs and encouraging STEM-related activities in schools, aligning with the goals of NEP 2020. Schools and educators are advised to refer to the official CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) for detailed notifications and guidelines.