50 hours of annual training mandatory for all school teachers: CBSE

In a significant move aimed at enhancing teaching standards, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it compulsory for all educators in affiliated schools to complete 50 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) each academic year.

As per two circulars issued by the Board on April 1, 2025, the updated training guidelines are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST). The revamped framework outlines three main areas of focus for training: Core Values and Ethics (12 hours), Knowledge and Practice (24 hours), and Professional Growth and Development (14 hours).

Educators are expected to complete at least half of the mandated hours through programmes offered by CBSE or government-run training institutes. The remaining hours can be fulfilled through in-house sessions, peer learning, or local collaborative initiatives.

Additionally, CBSE has



broadened the scope of CPD by including activities such as participation in board examination duties, contributing to research, attending CBSE conferences, and developing digital content as valid components of the required training hours.

For the year 2025, the Board has chosen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education as the central theme for training. Schools have been encouraged to hold District Level Deliberations (DLDs) to spark innovation and conversation around STEM teaching, with a focus on hands-on, inquiry-driven, and interdisciplinary learning methods.

Heads of institutions have been urged to take a proactive role in nurturing a culture of continuous learning and professional growth among their staff. CBSE has emphasized that full compliance with the updated training norms is mandatory for all affiliated schools.

Detailed information and the official circulars can be accessed on the CBSE website: www.cbse.gov.in.