Abstract
Education plays a crucial role in nurturing critical thinking abilities among students. Critical thinking, defined as reasoned reflective thinking aimed at making informed decisions, is essential for academic success and effective societal participation. Different types of critical thinking skills, such as analytical, evaluative, creative, logical, reflective, and meta-cognitive thinking, are vital, especially in science education. Innovative teaching methods like Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Collaborative Learning, and Technology Integration can significantly enhance these skills. However, challenges such as institutional resistance, lack of teacher training, and limited resources hinder the adoption of these methods in Indian educational institutions. Addressing these barriers requires comprehensive strategies, including professional development for teachers, policy support for curriculum innovation, and investment in educational resources and infrastructure.Keywords: academic success, critical thinking, skills, innovative teaching, education