Shillong, January 16 : In a major education reform aimed at aligning schooling with real-life skills, the Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the introduction of Community-Integrated Skill Learning (CISL) for students of Classes VI to X. The initiative seeks to integrate home-based skills, community knowledge, cultural practices, sports, and family occupations into the formal school curriculum .
Officials described CISL as a pioneering step that formalizes learning from home, community, and local environments by giving it structured academic recognition. Rooted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CISL emphasises experiential, competency-based, and vocational learning from the middle school stage .
Under the new system, CISL will be introduced as part of the existing Health & Physical Education subject. Half of the total assessment—50% weightage—will come from community- and home-integrated skill activities, while the remaining 50% will continue to rely on prescribed textbooks and syllabus-based learning .
Students will be able to select learning areas that reflect their interests these include:
- Family occupations, or Local livelihoods (agriculture, crafts, trades, services, enterprises)
- Sports and athletics
- Arts, music, culture, and creative fields
- Entrepreneurship, volunteering, and community service
Learning will take place beyond the classroom under the mentorship of parents, coaches, guardians, or community experts, with schools ensuring academic oversight and evaluation .
The Government stated that CISL aims to remove the traditional divide between academic and vocational education. By acknowledging the value of traditional skills and local knowledge, the initiative seeks to reduce stigma around family occupations and broaden students’ learning pathways.
The programme also aims to:
- Strengthen family–school partnerships
- Promote self-reliance, responsibility, and strong work ethics
- Recognize sports, arts, and cultural skills as legitimate learning outcomes
- Reduce reliance on government jobs by expanding skill-based opportunities .
The CISL programme will be rolled out in phases:
- Classes VI to IX: From the Academic Session beginning February 9, 2026
- Class X: From the Academic Session 2027
The Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT) will develop detailed guidelines, assessment frameworks, student portfolios, and teacher-support mechanisms to ensure uniform implementation across schools .
The Government described the move as a transformative reform that reconnects education with everyday life by recognizing learning that occurs in farms, workshops, sports fields, homes, and community spaces. Authorities believe the initiative will enrich student experiences, preserve traditional knowledge systems, and strengthen local livelihoods while nurturing confident and capable young citizens .
