The Central Board of Secondary Education has directed all schools affiliated with the board to organise the screening of a 30 minute sensitisation and orientation module on Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs on October 7, 2026.
The initiative is aimed at helping school staff develop a better understanding of the needs and challenges faced by Children with Special Needs, commonly referred to as CwSN. According to CBSE, the programme is intended to strengthen sensitivity, empathy and an inclusive attitude among staff members and encourage appropriate and respectful practices within the school environment.
The direction follows instructions received from the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education. CBSE issued the relevant training circular on October 5, 2026, under Circular No. TRG 20 2026.
The screening is not limited to teachers. CBSE has asked schools to ensure participation from both teaching and non teaching staff. This includes school heads, teachers, ayahs, drivers, clerical staff, receptionists, deans, wardens and other support personnel working in schools.
The board has emphasised maximum participation because children interact with different categories of school employees during their daily activities. An inclusive school environment therefore requires awareness not only among teachers but also among staff members responsible for transportation, administration, reception, security, residential facilities and other support services.
The 30 minute module has been developed specifically to improve staff understanding of Children with Special Needs. The programme is expected to address the needs and challenges that such students may experience in a school environment and encourage staff members to respond appropriately.
CBSE has also asked schools to organise the screening in a manner that does not disrupt essential school activities. School principals and heads have been requested to make suitable arrangements so that staff members can participate while regular operations continue.
The module will be available through the PRASHAST portal. According to the CBSE instructions, schools can access the video through the Video Tutorial option available under the Headmaster Login on the portal.
PRASHAST is associated with CBSE's screening initiative for identifying students with probable disabilities and facilitating timely intervention. Staff sensitisation is considered an important part of this process because early identification and appropriate support can be more effective when school personnel understand the needs of students.
The screening programme is therefore broader than a routine staff training session. It is intended to contribute to a school environment where students with special needs can participate more comfortably and receive appropriate support.
CBSE has highlighted the importance of sensitivity and empathy when dealing with Children with Special Needs. Staff awareness can help reduce misunderstandings and promote more respectful interactions with students.
An inclusive education environment also requires schools to consider accessibility and participation. Students may have different learning, communication, mobility or behavioural requirements. Awareness among staff can help schools respond to these requirements more appropriately within their available resources and established procedures.
The initiative also reflects the wider emphasis on inclusive education in India's school education system. Schools are expected to create learning environments in which students with different needs can participate without facing unnecessary barriers.
For teachers, the module can provide additional awareness about the challenges faced by students with special needs in classrooms. For non teaching staff, the programme can improve understanding of how their interactions and responsibilities can contribute to a supportive school environment.
The inclusion of drivers, ayahs, receptionists, clerical employees, wardens and other support personnel is particularly significant because these staff members may interact with students outside the classroom. Their awareness can therefore contribute to student safety, dignity and participation throughout the school day.
CBSE has also indicated that the number of schools viewing the module will be visible at the national level. This will allow the board to monitor participation in the initiative and assess the reach of the programme among affiliated schools.
School principals and heads are expected to coordinate the screening and encourage maximum participation. Schools will need to plan the session according to their own schedules so that staff members can watch the module without affecting essential school activities.
The October 7 programme is part of the PRASHAST Screening Initiative being undertaken during the current academic year. The initiative seeks to support the identification of students with probable disabilities and facilitate timely intervention.
The focus on staff sensitisation is important because inclusive education depends on more than classroom teaching. A student's experience at school can also be influenced by interactions with administrative staff, transportation personnel, support workers and school leadership.
The CBSE initiative seeks to create greater awareness across these different groups. By ensuring that staff members understand the needs of Children with Special Needs, schools can work towards creating a more accessible and supportive environment.
Schools affiliated with CBSE should therefore check the official instructions and make arrangements for the October 7 screening. Staff members should follow the directions issued by their respective school authorities regarding participation.
The module is expected to take approximately 30 minutes, making it possible for schools to incorporate the screening into their schedule without significantly affecting regular academic activities.
The programme also provides an opportunity for schools to strengthen their broader approach towards inclusion. Awareness among staff can complement other measures such as accessible facilities, appropriate classroom practices, student support systems and communication with parents.
Overall, CBSE's latest directive places emphasis on creating a more inclusive school environment through staff awareness. The 30 minute module on Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs will be screened on October 7 across affiliated schools.
The board has asked schools to ensure maximum participation from teaching and non teaching personnel. The initiative is intended to improve understanding, sensitivity and empathy towards Children with Special Needs and encourage respectful practices throughout the school environment.
