Yoga a compulsory subject in govt schools; 80% practicals and 20% theory, says HRD Minister Smriti Irani

Unveiling the syllabus of Yoga that will be made a compulsory subject in Central government schools, HRD Minister Smriti Irani said 80% of the syllabus will be practicals while 20% will be theoretical. Classes VI to X will have Yoga as a compulsory subject.

She added that a national-level competition on Yoga would also be organised in New Delhi from next year where the best performing student will be given a cash prize of Rs five lakh.

Irani released the syllabus and course material for the students on Monday.

"However, I want an assurance from students that they will perform the practicals with full devotion," Irani said at a function, a day after the International Yoga Day celebration which saw participation of hundreds of school students and teachers.

Later talking to reporters, she said, the states are free to decide on adopting it in their syllabus and to link with their the course curriculum.

She also said that there will be a training module on yoga for teacher education programme. The aim of this module will be to produce a pool of trained teachers in yoga who meet the upcoming demands.

"We have prepared syllabus for teachers as well. One is diploma in yoga education, bachelors in yoga education and masters in yoga education," Irani said on Monday.

National Council of Teacher Education, in its revised notification has made yoga a compulsory training module along with ICT, gender studies and inclusive education.

(With PTI inputs)