CBSE makes sports period compulsory for classes 1 to 8 from April 2019

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has come up with a new compulsory sports period for students of classes 1 to 8. The classes will start from the upcoming academic session i.e. April 2019. This announcement is in continuation of the programme implemented last year where Health and Physical Education (HPE) was introduced for classes 9 to 12. The primary focus will be on sports, games and outdoor activities.

The CBSE circular read, "The board has decided to implement Health and Physical Education (HPE) programme for Classes one to eight w.e.f. session 2019-20 onwards, with the aim of holistic development of the child, leading to a well-balanced in all walks of life."

CBSE’s circular further said, ''Keeping the above in view, the schools are advised that while preparing time table for session 2019-20, one period every day may be reserved for Health and Physical Education (HPE) for classes 1 to 8 for session 2019-20 onwards.''

''The revised and updated transactional strategies, detailed guidelines and methodology for administering HPE (Health and Physical Education) to students will be available on CBSE website shortly," the circular read.

The board had introduced compulsory sports period for classes 9 to 12 students last year. "CBSE has decided to mainstream Health and Physical Education for classes IX to XII with the aim of holistic development of the child, leading to a well-balanced individual in all walks of life," board had said in a statement.

About the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is the largest education board in India that looks after the development and propagation of secondary and higher secondary education in India. The board has been part of the long history that has seen the development of school-level education in India. In the year 1952, the CBSE took the final shape that it operates today. Currently, the CBSE Board conducts annual examinations like CBSE 10th Board Exams and CBSE 12th Board Exams along with several other entrance tests.