CBSE mandates 30-minute session for school staff on October 7 to sensitise on special needs

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated a 30-minute sensitisation session for all school staff, to be held on October 7, 2026, to promote inclusive education for Children with Special Needs (CwSN). This module, developed in response to directives from the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, aims to cultivate sensitivity, empathy, and an inclusive attitude among teaching and non-teaching staff, including teachers, ayahs, drivers, clerical workers, receptionists, deans, wardens, heads of schools, and other support personnel.

The primary objective of this session is to enable staff to comprehend the needs and challenges faced by children with special needs, thereby encouraging appropriate, respectful, and inclusive practices within the school environment. CBSE emphasizes the importance of maximum staff participation and requests schools to organize the screening in a manner that does not disrupt essential school activities.

The 30-minute module is accessible through the PRASHAST portal (prashast.education.gov.in) via the Video Tutorial option under the Headmaster login. This initiative is part of the broader PRASHAST Screening Initiative, currently underway during the academic year, which aims to identify students with probable disabilities and provide timely intervention.

CBSE stresses that sensitising staff to the needs and requirements of CwSN is crucial for ensuring that these students receive appropriate support within the school setting.

School principals and heads of affiliated institutions have been directed to ensure the widest possible participation of their staff in the module. CBSE will monitor the number of schools viewing the module at the national level, aiming to foster a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive school environment for Children with Special Needs.