New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will implement the ‘National Credit Framework’ under the National Education Policy on a trial basis in around 2,000 schools in India, including 139 in Kerala, from the current academic year.

The scheme, to be implemented initially in classes 6, 9 and 11, includes proposals such as mandatory 75-percent attendance in class 6 also. Another suggestion is to ensure 1200 hours of studies during an academic year and yet another recommendation says that students should earn 40 credits for a promotion to the next class. A student will earn one credit on attending 30 hours of classes.

Under the framework, students have to learn three languages in class 6 and two in class 9. They can earn more credits by taking part in yoga, NCC, performing arts, handicrafts and internships. The credits earned by students will be made available in the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) and linked to ‘APAAR’ (Automated permanent academic account registry), the unified number for students, and DigiLocker.

A student can either earn full credit or zero credit in a subject. For instance, five credits could be earned for Mathematics in class 6 and a student can gain only this number – half of this stipulated credit cannot be earned.

According to authorities, the academic excellence of students will receive a boost when knowledge acquired outside the classroom is also considered for granting credits.

Meanwhile, the CBSE has invited applications from schools interested in implementing the National Credit Framework in classes 6, 9 and 11. Awareness and training programmes for schools in this regard will be arranged by CBSE.