Key Points:
- NCERT introduces the ‘Career Card’ to provide students insights into 500 job options spanning 13 industry sectors.
- The initiative aligns with the new education policy promoting vocational and employment-oriented education from Class 6 onwards.
- Career Card helps students identify their interests, skills, and ideal career paths early, reducing uncertainty post-graduation.
- Parents and teachers can better support students’ educational and career decisions through this structured guidance.
- The program aims to ensure students make informed career choices, empowering them to be job-ready and self-reliant quickly after education.
New Delhi: In a landmark move to sync school education with employability, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is rolling out the innovative ‘Career Card’ initiative. This initiative is part of the broader push under the New Education Policy to emphasize vocational learning and career readiness from an early stage.
What is the ‘Career Card’?
The Career Card acts as a comprehensive guide for students, offering detailed information about 500 diverse job roles spread across 13 key sectors. It enables young learners to explore various career options aligned with their interests and abilities, starting as early as Class 6.
Students will be introduced to the mantra of “knowing what they want to become” early on, fostering self-awareness about their talents and preferences. The card acts as a personalized roadmap helping students make informed choices about their future professions.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment
Traditionally, many students graduate without clear career direction, facing challenges in finding suitable employment. NCERT’s initiative aims to bridge this gap by equipping students with knowledge about career opportunities, required skills, and educational pathways while they are still in school.
This proactive approach not only enhances the utility of their education but also ensures they are better prepared for the workforce, mitigating post-graduation uncertainty.
Empowering Students, Parents, and Educators
By gaining clarity on career options early, students can align their academic efforts with their ultimate career goals, increasing their chances of success. Teachers and parents will also play a crucial role, supported by this tool, in guiding students effectively without guesswork.
Dr. Prashant Gawande, a school principal, emphasized that this initiative eliminates errors in career choices, ensuring students select subjects and courses matching their strengths and passions. Consequently, young learners will be in a stronger position to become independent and self-sufficient soon after completing their education.
With the Career Card, NCERT is setting a new benchmark for India’s education system transforming schooling from mere academic learning to a strategic, career-driven journey that prepares students for life beyond the classroom.
