Govt Directs J&K Schools to Enforce 10 Bagless Days Under 2025 NCERT Guidelines

NEP 2020 initiative mandates hands-on learning, vocational exposure and community visits for Classes 6-8

Srinagar, Oct 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed Chief Education Officers (CEOs) across the Union Territory to ensure implementation of the 10 Bagless Days initiative for students of Classes 6th to 8th in government schools, focusing on practical learning, vocational exposure and real-life experiences.

In a communication issued by the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha J&K, Ashwini Kumar, Administrative Officer, dated October 14, 2026, as per news agency that, the Directorate instructed all Chief Education Officers to circulate the implementation guidelines to Higher Secondary, High and Middle Schools where Classes 6th to 8th are being conducted and ensure that the initiative is implemented in letter and spirit under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The guidelines were developed in November 2025 by the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education, a constituent unit of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the Ministry of Education. A copy of the guidelines is available with news agency.

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The initiative aims to provide students with opportunities to learn beyond conventional classroom settings, exposing them to practical skills, local occupations, community life and the world of work.

The document also carries a message from then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who described the initiative as a step towards making learning joyful, experiential and stress-free by providing students with opportunities to gain practical exposure outside traditional classrooms.

In his message, Pradhan said the guidelines were designed to provide students with hands-on experience through engagement with local skills experts, visits to historically, culturally and touristically significant places, interactions with local artists and craftspeople, and visits to educational institutions within their village, tehsil, district or state.

He said such activities would help students acquire new skills, understand the cultural and historical significance of their communities and gain practical knowledge for their holistic development.

*Focus on vocational exposure and dignity of labour*

The 10 Bagless Days initiative seeks to familiarise students with the world of work beyond classrooms and textbooks, strengthen observation-based learning and help them understand the relationship between communities, occupations and everyday activities.

Under the framework, students are encouraged to gain practical exposure to local vocations such as carpentry, electrical work, gardening and pottery. Interactions with artisans, craftspeople and other local skills experts are intended to help students understand traditional knowledge and the skills required for different occupations.

The initiative also promotes the dignity of labour and encourages students to appreciate the contribution of people engaged in different professions. By connecting education with local skills and livelihoods, the programme aims to promote the concept of ‘Vocal for Local’ while familiarising students with potential career opportunities.

*Learning through Head, Hand and Heart*

The guidelines emphasise the three Hs—Head, Hand and Heart—as a framework for experiential learning, encouraging students to combine thinking, practical engagement and social understanding.

The activities are intended to help students apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations, develop practical abilities and strengthen their understanding of the society around them.

Community visits and interactions with local professionals are also envisaged as opportunities for students to explore their surroundings, learn about local heritage and gain exposure to educational institutions and different fields of work.

The initiative forms part of the broader educational approach under NEP 2020, which emphasises experiential learning, competency development and vocational exposure at the school level.

*CEOs directed to circulate guidelines and submit reports*

Samagra Shiksha has directed Chief Education Officers to ensure that the guidelines reach all eligible schools and that the prescribed activities are implemented effectively.

The Directorate has also asked the CEOs to submit consolidated monthly district reports by the 5th of every month through the designated email address, [email protected], to facilitate monitoring of the initiative.

The directive outlines steps aimed at strengthening practical learning and vocational education in line with NEP 2020. (JKNS)

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