Himachal: Horticulture to be taught in Schools; Vocational Course for Grades 9 to 12

March 13, 2026

The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education, Dharamshala, is set to introduce a major transformation in school education to connect the state’s youth with their native soil and local resources. The Board has finalized preparations to introduce Horticulture as a vocational subject for classes 9 through 12 in government and affiliated schools.

The proposed curriculum has been submitted to the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) for final approval. The plan is to implement this initiative starting from the academic session 2026-27.

Notably, the Board recently acquired ‘Dual Category’ status, which empowers it to design vocational curricula tailored to the specific geographical and economic requirements of the state. It is under this mandate that the decision to incorporate Horticulture into the school curriculum was taken.

The cultivation of fruits such as apples, kiwis, peaches, plums, and pears—plays a pivotal role in Himachal Pradesh’s economy. With this in mind, the curriculum has been designed to place special emphasis not only on theoretical knowledge but also on practical training.

Students will receive instruction in plant propagation, modern farming techniques, disease control, and orchard management. Furthermore, they will be taught the nuances associated with self-employment and economic self-reliance.

Following the attainment of Dual Category status, the Board is focusing on state-specific skill development. Given that Horticulture is a primary occupation in Himachal, introducing it at the school level (Classes 9–12) is expected to prove to be a milestone for the students’ future prospects. The implementation of this program is scheduled to commence from the 2026-27 academic session.