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Chandigarh UT to roll out skill courses in all government schools and push smart classrooms
The Chandigarh UT administration announced a roadmap to introduce skill-based courses in all government schools, equip classrooms with digital infrastructure, and speed up teacher recruitment. The plan also seeks stronger industry linkages for higher and technical education, modernization of laboratories, and the development of Institutes of Excellence.
Why It Matters
The measures align Chandigarh's education system with NEP 2020, focus on employability, and aim to make institutions future-ready with digital learning and industry partnerships.
Timeline
8 Events
Coordinated, time-bound approach to implement measures
May 6, 2026
Reiterating focus on inclusive and quality education, the chief secretary said a coordinated and time-bound approach will be adopted to implement these measures and build a future-ready education system in Chandigarh.
Institutes of Excellence and governance
May 6, 2026
Prasad directed regular meetings of state higher education councils to ensure effective governance and called for all institutions to be developed as 'Institutes of Excellence' through continuous improvement in research, infrastructure and academic standards.
Modernisation of infrastructure in technical institutions
May 6, 2026
Plans to modernise infrastructure in technical institutions, including upgrading laboratories and integrating digital tools, to support innovation and quality education were discussed.
Phase-out of obsolete courses and introduction of AI and EV programmes
May 6, 2026
The administration directed phasing out obsolete courses and introducing new-age programmes in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Stronger industry linkages for higher and technical education
May 6, 2026
For higher and technical education, he stressed the need for stronger industry linkages, directing ITIs, polytechnics and colleges to collaborate with at least two to three industry partners each for better training, apprenticeships and placements.
Expedite teacher recruitment for TGT and JBT posts
May 6, 2026
Taking note of vacancies, he instructed officials to expedite teacher recruitment, particularly for Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) and Junior Basic Training (JBT) posts, to improve student-teacher ratios and learning outcomes.
Skill-based courses in all government schools and smart classrooms planned
May 6, 2026
The chief secretary directed that skill-based courses be rolled out in all government schools to improve employability and align education with industry needs, and called for smart classrooms in all schools to promote digital learning and modern teaching practices.
High-level education review chaired by Chief Secretary outlines priorities
May 6, 2026
Chief Secretary Rajesh Prasad chaired a high-level review of the education department in Chandigarh, assessing school, higher and technical education and outlining key priorities to make the system future-ready. The meeting reviewed achievements, infrastructure development, implementation of NEP 2020 and progress in skill development. Education secretary Prerna Puri, director school education Nitish Singla and director higher and technical education Palika Arora attended and presented an overview.