In a landmark move that could reshape the academic landscape for India’s next generation of innovators, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has announced that entrepreneurship ISC subject will be offered to students in Classes XI and XII from the 2028 examination cycle. The decision, unveiled in a circular released this Friday, also rebrands the existing commerce course as business studies, signalling a broader shift toward skill‑based, real‑world learning.
Background and Context
The announcement comes at a time when India’s education policy is under intense scrutiny. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has called for a move away from rote memorisation toward experiential learning, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. CISCE’s new subject aligns with this vision, echoing the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) earlier introduction of entrepreneurship in its 2024‑25 curriculum. By embedding entrepreneurial thinking into the ISC syllabus, the council aims to equip students with the tools to identify opportunities, manage risk, and create value in a rapidly changing economy.
“We are committed to fostering a generation that can translate ideas into viable businesses,” said Joseph Emmanuel, CISCE CEO and Secretary, during a principals’ meeting in Kolkata. “The curriculum will be designed to connect classroom concepts with real‑life challenges, ensuring that learning is not just theoretical but actionable.”
Key Developments
The circular outlines several pivotal changes:
- New Subject Introduction: Entrepreneurship ISC subject will be available as an elective for students in Classes XI and XII, starting with the 2028 exams.
- Renaming of Commerce: The existing commerce course will now be called business studies, reflecting a broader focus on business fundamentals.
- Language Policy: Students can choose only two modern foreign languages from Groups I and II, excluding Group III, to maintain a balanced curriculum.
- Subject Revisions: Ten ISC subjects and eleven ICSE subjects will undergo syllabus updates to align with NEP 2020’s emphasis on application‑based assessment.
- Implementation Timeline: The changes will take effect from the 2028 examination year, giving schools and students ample time to adjust.
In addition to the new subject, the council has clarified that students may opt for a maximum of two foreign languages alongside English, ensuring that language studies do not overwhelm the core curriculum.
Impact Analysis
For students, the introduction of entrepreneurship ISC subject offers a tangible pathway to develop business acumen early. According to a recent CISCE survey, 68% of students expressed interest in entrepreneurship courses, citing a desire for practical skills that can translate into future career opportunities. The new subject is expected to:
- Enhance Employability: Employers increasingly value entrepreneurial skills such as problem‑solving, adaptability, and financial literacy.
- Promote Innovation: By encouraging project‑based learning, students can prototype ideas, test hypotheses, and iterate—skills essential for startups.
- Bridge Academic and Industry Gaps: Partnerships with local businesses and incubators will provide mentorship, internships, and real‑world case studies.
- Encourage Inclusive Growth: The curriculum will include modules on social entrepreneurship, ensuring that students consider impact alongside profit.
Teachers will need to adapt to a more interactive teaching style. CISCE has announced professional development workshops to help educators transition from lecture‑based methods to facilitation of experiential projects.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
School principals across the country have welcomed the change. Rodney Borneo, Principal of St. Augustine’s Day School, Shyamnagar, remarked, “The revision is very logical. It brings coherence to the subject, and the introduction of entrepreneurship ensures that we study subjects not only from a practical point of view but also for their practical implications.”
Sujoy Biswas, Principal of Rammohan Mission School, added, “It is a positive approach by the council so that students can get an idea of start‑up businesses. The council already introduced subjects such as fashion designing, robotics, and artificial intelligence, and now students are studying law at the school level as well.”
For students planning to opt for the new subject, here are actionable steps:
- Explore Existing Resources: Many schools now offer entrepreneurship clubs, hackathons, and business plan competitions. Join these to gain early exposure.
- Build a Portfolio: Document projects, prototypes, and case studies. A portfolio can be a strong addition to college applications.
- Seek Mentorship: Connect with local entrepreneurs or alumni who can provide guidance and real‑world insights.
- Leverage Online Platforms: MOOCs such as Coursera’s “Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies” or edX’s “Entrepreneurship Essentials” can supplement classroom learning.
- Stay Informed: Follow CISCE’s updates on syllabus changes, assessment formats, and exam patterns to prepare effectively.
Parents should encourage a balanced approach, ensuring that students do not overcommit to extracurriculars at the expense of core subjects. A study by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) found that students who manage a balanced workload perform 12% better in board exams.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of entrepreneurship ISC subject is just the beginning. CISCE plans to roll out additional interdisciplinary courses, such as “Digital Marketing” and “Sustainable Development,” in the coming years. The council’s long‑term vision is to create a curriculum that mirrors the dynamic demands of the 21st‑century economy.
Educational policymakers are closely monitoring the rollout. If the new subject proves successful, it could set a precedent for other boards, potentially leading to a nationwide shift toward entrepreneurship education. The Ministry of Education has already earmarked funds for teacher training and infrastructure development to support this initiative.
Students who excel in the new subject may also gain a competitive edge in admission to top business schools and entrepreneurship programs. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, for instance, has expressed interest in collaborating with CISCE schools to offer joint workshops and internships.
Conclusion
With the launch of entrepreneurship ISC subject, CISCE is taking a decisive step toward nurturing a generation of innovators who can navigate the complexities of the modern economy. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, the new curriculum promises to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in both academia and the marketplace.
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