CBSE makes 50 hours of annual training mandatory for teachers, with focus on STEM education

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new framework that makes professional development training mandatory for all teachers and school heads in its affiliated schools. This move aims to enhance the quality of teaching and align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for educators. The framework requires teachers to complete 50 hours of training every year, focusing on core values, knowledge, and professional growth.

New training mandates for Teachers

Under the new guidelines, every teacher must complete at least 50 hours of professional development annually. These 50 hours will be split into two parts: 25 hours must be completed through training provided by CBSE or government-run training institutes, while the remaining 25 hours can be completed through in-house training or school-based programs, such as School Complex-based initiatives.

The training is structured around the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST), which covers three main areas:

• Core Values and Ethics: Teachers will spend 12 hours focusing on values and ethical standards that are essential for the teaching profession.

• Knowledge and Practice: A further 24 hours will be dedicated to improving teachers' knowledge and practical skills related to their subjects and teaching methods.

• Professional Growth and Development: The remaining 14 hours will focus on developing teachers' professional skills and their ability to grow in their careers.

The training will also allow teachers to count academic activities like board exam evaluation, conducting practical exams, participating in conferences, working on research projects, and creating educational content as part of their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) hours. This flexibility ensures that teachers can learn and grow while fulfilling their regular responsibilities.

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Focus on STEM education

Looking ahead to 2025, CBSE has declared STEM Education—covering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—as the main theme for the annual teacher training. The board aims to inspire teachers to incorporate more hands-on, inquiry-based, and interdisciplinary methods of teaching STEM subjects to make learning more interactive and impactful for students.

To support this shift, CBSE is encouraging schools to organize District Level Deliberations (DLDs) on STEM Education. These events will provide a platform for teachers to share ideas, discuss best practices, and reflect on their teaching methods. The goal is to create a community where educators can exchange experiences and inspire each other to innovate and improve their teaching strategies. This initiative is intended to foster a culture of continuous improvement in schools, benefiting both teachers and students.

Institutional heads are expected to take the lead in implementing these professional development guidelines. They will play a key role in creating a culture of continuous learning and growth within their schools. School heads will be responsible for ensuring that their teachers meet the annual training requirements and are actively engaged in improving their skills and knowledge.

This initiative highlights the importance of professional development in education and recognizes that teachers need ongoing support to keep up with changes in teaching methods, technology, and the needs of students. By focusing on STEM education, CBSE is also ensuring that teachers are well-prepared to teach the subjects that are crucial for the future development of students and the country.

In conclusion, CBSE's new training framework is a positive step toward improving the quality of education in India. By mandating professional development for teachers and focusing on STEM education, CBSE is not only ensuring that teachers continue to grow in their careers but also helping to create a more engaging and effective learning environment for students.