Why NCERT Introduced Kaushal Bodh in Classes 6 to 10: Unlocking Culinary Skills and Career Opportunities

“Kaushal ki shakti, yuvaon ki pragati!”

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, has transformed the Indian education landscape by introducing Kaushal Bodh as a core component of the curriculum for Classes 6 to 10. This innovative program, integrated into the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus, emphasizes life skills education, with a special focus on cooking skills under the Vocational Education framework.

By teaching students practical skills like preparing healthy meals, Kaushal Bodh fosters independence, creativity, and career readiness. Moreover, these foundational skills open doors to internships, such as those offered by NFCI Hospitality, which help students build impressive portfolios and enhance their employability in the booming culinary industry.

The Purpose of Kaushal Bodh in the NCERT Syllabus

The Kaushal Bodh program, meaning “Skill Awareness,” is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical life skills. Aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), it introduces students to vocational areas categorized as Work with Life Forms, Work with Machines and Materials, and Work in Human Services. Cooking, a key focus under Work in Human Services, is taught through engaging, age-appropriate activities, such as “Cooking without Fire” in the Class 6 Kaushal Bodh textbook. These lessons equip students with the ability to prepare simple, nutritious dishes while learning about food safety, nutrition, and cultural diversity in cuisine.

The inclusion of life skills like cooking in the NCERT syllabus reflects a broader vision of holistic education. The NEP 2020 emphasizes preparing students for both personal growth and professional success, and Kaushal Bodh delivers by fostering skills that are immediately applicable in daily life and transferable to future careers. For students in Classes 6 to 10, learning to cook is not just about mastering recipes—it’s about developing critical thinking, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility.

Why Cooking Skills Matter in Kaushal Bodh

1. Promoting Independence and Healthy Living: Cooking skills empower students to make informed food choices and prepare balanced meals. Activities like creating no-fire recipes (e.g., salads or millet-based snacks) teach students about nutrition, portion control, and sustainable food practices. In a country like India, where dietary diversity and health consciousness are increasingly important, these skills are invaluable.

   

2. Encouraging Creativity and Innovation: Cooking is both an art and a science. The Kaushal Bodh curriculum encourages students to experiment with flavours, presentation, and local ingredients, fostering creativity. For instance, projects like designing a school museum with food-related exhibits or preparing visually appealing dishes help students think innovatively—a skill that benefits any career path.

3. Building Soft Skills: Group-based cooking activities in Kaushal Bodh teach students collaboration, communication, and time management. These soft skills are essential in professional kitchens and other workplaces, making students more adaptable and confident.

4. Paving the Way for Culinary Careers: By introducing cooking early, Kaushal Bodh sparks interest in culinary arts as a viable career option. With India’s food service industry projected to reach ₹10-12 lakh crore by 2025, students equipped with foundational cooking skills are well-positioned to explore professional opportunities in hospitality and culinary arts.

The Power of Internships: Building a Culinary Portfolio

While Kaushal Bodh lays the groundwork for cooking skills, internships take these skills to the next level by providing real-world experience. Internships are a critical step for students to translate classroom learning into professional expertise, making their profiles more attractive to employers or educational institutions. A well-documented portfolio showcasing internship experiences, cooking projects, and certifications can set students apart in the competitive culinary industry.

Internships offer several benefits:

– Practical Experience: Students can apply cooking skills, such as food preparation and kitchen safety, in professional settings like restaurants or hotels, gaining hands-on expertise.

– Industry Exposure: Working alongside chefs and hospitality professionals helps students understand industry standards and build valuable networks.

– Portfolio Development: A portfolio that includes photos of dishes prepared, internship certificates, and reflections on culinary projects demonstrates a student’s skills and dedication.

– Enhanced Employability: Employers value candidates with practical experience. Internships signal a student’s commitment and readiness to excel in the culinary world.

NFCI Hospitality: A Launchpad for Aspiring Chefs

For students inspired by Kaushal Bodh to pursue cooking skills, NFCI Hospitality (National Finishing and Cookery Institute) offers exceptional opportunities to gain practical experience through internships. Established in 1990, NFCI is a leading institute in India, known for its industry-aligned programs and strong connections with top 125+ hospitality brands tie-ups like Radisson Blu, Hyatt Regency and so on.

NFCI’s internship programs are tailored to help students build their portfolios and transition from classroom learning to professional success:

– Paid and Unpaid Internships: NFCI offers both paid and unpaid internships, providing hands-on experience in professional kitchens. These opportunities allow students to refine their cooking skills and gain exposure to real-world culinary operations.

– Industry Connections: With tie-ups across leading hotels and restaurants, NFCI ensures students intern at prestigious establishments, increasing their chances of securing full-time roles.

– Portfolio Support: NFCI guides students in creating professional portfolios, documenting their culinary creations and internship achievements to showcase their skills to future employers.

– Comprehensive Training: Beyond technical cooking skills, NFCI emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and soft skills, aligning with the holistic goals of Kaushal Bodh.

By participating in NFCI’s programs, students can build on the cooking skills learned in Kaushal Bodh, turning their passion for food into a rewarding career.

Last Words

The inclusion of Kaushal Bodh in the NCERT syllabus for Classes 6 to 10 is a visionary step toward equipping students with practical life skills and career-ready expertise. By focusing on cooking skills, the program fosters independence, creativity, and teamwork while opening doors to exciting opportunities in the culinary industry. For students eager to take their skills further, internships with institutions like NFCI Hospitality provide the perfect platform to gain hands-on experience, build professional portfolios, and enhance employability.

As India’s culinary landscape continues to grow, Kaushal Bodh and internships are empowering a new generation of chefs and food enthusiasts. Whether you’re a student dreaming of a culinary career or a parent supporting your child’s aspirations, explore the opportunities at NFCI Hospitality (nfcihospitality.com) to turn Kaushal Bodh skills into a recipe for lifelong success.

Discover NFCI’s internship programs and start building your culinary portfolio today!