40 Schools for Vocational Skill training as part of School curriculum started in Punjab

Updated: 9/29/2026
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Last Updated: 29 September 2026

Dec 2025: Named 'Hunar Sikhya Schools'; running in 40 schools (2025-26) with courses designed with industry partners (e.g. healthcare with Apollo); students get board + industry-recognised certificates; handbook launched & programme to be expanded[1][2]
-- Govt survey of 2.8 lakh students: 45%+ leave school unprepared for jobs[2:1]

Problem[3]:
-- At least 2 lakh, out of ~16 lakh students in class 9 to 12, want to work and not pursue higher education
-- They start working after schooling to earn a livelihood, either due to family compulsions or other reasons.

Solution[3:1]: The vocational education as part of school curriculum to prepare youngsters for professional lives ahead

i.e. Schools of Applied Learning

Started 40 Schools with 160 students each[4]:
-- “School to Work” pilot project started from session 2025-26
-- 4 Professional streams

Features[3:2]

The curriculum is recognized by Punjab School Education Board and students will get a 12th passing certificate

  • Under the project, students from classes 11 and 12 will be given practical training in 4 streams
  • Even if the student doesn’t get a job, they should be capable enough to start their own venture
  • A training camp for the principals of selected schools and district vocational coordinators is being organized already
  • Students can also pursue higher education programs later e.g. B.Com, BA, BBA or stream-specific programs such as B.Design,ANM, GNM, Diploma in Beauty Cosmetology

Subjects[3:3]

The education department has tied up with private companies to run these courses

a. Foundational Subjects

'Cambridge University Press and Assessment' firm hired for teaching functional English

  • Functional English
  • Punjabi
  • Computers in Everyday Life
  • Career Foundations Course

b. Professional streams (Select 1 out of 4)

1. Banking, financial services & insurance (BFSI)

Firm 'LabourNet' hired for banking and financial services

  • Business Correspondent (NSQF)
  • BFSI Products and Sales
  • Financial Management

2. Beauty & wellness

Tied up with 'Orane International' for beauty and wellness

  • Salon management
  • Hairstyling
  • Sales management

3. Healthcare sciences & services

'Max Healthcare' has been hired for training

  • General Duty Assistant (NSQF)
  • Allied Health Services
  • Biology

4. Digital designing & development

  • Digital marketing
  • Graphic designing
  • Mobile app development

References:

  1. https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=214971 (ANI, 19 Dec 2025) ↩︎

  2. https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=214984 (Punjab Govt Press Release, 19 Dec 2025) ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-school-to-work-pilot-students-future-9140072/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/punjab-govt-identifies-40-schools-for-courses-on-digital-marketing-financial-services/ ↩︎

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