- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sun, 21 Dec 2025 03:33 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
In a phased implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Bihar Education Department is set to introduce vocational education from the sixth grade in government schools from the 2026-27 academic session. The move aims to equip students with job-oriented skills and entrepreneurial awareness from an early age.
Currently, vocational education is offered from the ninth grade. However, the state government plans to start pre-vocational courses from class six to help children develop practical skills and career awareness in areas such as computer education, information technology, healthcare, electronics, logistics, and artificial intelligence.
A senior official from the Education Department stated that early exposure to vocational subjects will prepare students for both employment and self-employment, while also encouraging connections with start-ups and business opportunities in the future. The initiative seeks to plant the “seeds of entrepreneurship” in children aged 11-12, ensuring they do not rely solely on traditional jobs.
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is currently developing the curriculum, which will initially provide introductory information to spark interest in various trades. Courses being designed include computer science, AI, healthcare, automobiles, retail management, banking, media and entertainment, and beauty and wellness.
The government’s approach aligns with NCERT’s advisory, which recommends introducing vocational education early to ensure students develop an informed inclination towards their future careers by the time they reach the ninth grade. In the long term, Bihar plans to integrate basic vocational studies even below class six in school textbooks.