137
/
4
Min Read
However, in recent years especially between 2023 and 2026 the changes made to the NCERT curriculum have generated more controversy than appreciation for educational reform. This raises an important question: Are these changes truly in the best interest of students or are they influenced by ideological and political factors?
Background of the Changing Curriculum
After the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it was made clear that education should move from being knowledge-centered to skill-centered, and from rote learning to understanding-based learning. With this objective, NCERT began restructuring the curriculum on the principle of “Reduced Content, Deeper Learning.” Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the syllabus was temporarily reduced. However, the later decision to permanently remove or revise several chapters sparked controversy.
Which Subjects Became the Center of Controversy?
History and Social Science: Objections were raised by educationists when chapters related to the Mughal period, certain aspects of colonial rule, and detailed discussions of social movements were removed or shortened in history textbooks. Critics argue that this may prevent students from gaining a comprehensive understanding of history and limit them to selective facts.
Judiciary and Democracy-related Chapters: Revisions or removal of chapters related to the judiciary, democratic institutions and constitutional values in Classes 8 and 10 social science textbooks have raised concerns about whether students are being distanced from a critical understanding of the democratic framework.
Science and Environment: Topics such as climate change, environmental crises, and biodiversity were shortened in science textbooks. Given that these issues are highly relevant at the global level today, their reduction has led to concern among experts.
The Government and NCERT’s Stand
NCERT and the Ministry of Education state that the curriculum has been modified to reduce students’ academic burden. They argue that repetitive and less relevant content has been removed to focus on core concepts and that textbooks are designed to provide factual and balanced education rather than promote any particular ideology. The government also contends that students can gain additional knowledge through digital resources, project work and experience-based learning.
Concerns of Educationists and Experts
Education experts believe that textbooks are not merely tools for passing examinations but are instruments for developing thinking skills. If social, political and historical contexts are limited, students may not develop critical thinking abilities. Moreover, frequent changes create instability and confusion among both teachers and students.
Some educationists also argue that curriculum changes should be an independent academic process, not the result of pressure or temporary circumstances.
Impact on Students and Teachers
Students are directly affected by these changes. For those preparing for competitive examinations, frequent revisions in the syllabus become a major challenge. Additionally, reducing the depth of subjects such as history and social science may hinder the development of a broad and balanced perspective.
Teachers are also impacted, as they must repeatedly adapt to new guidelines and textbooks. In many cases, due to a lack of proper training and adequate resources, implementing these changes effectively becomes difficult.
The New Direction for NCERT in 2026
By 2026, NCERT has indicated that it will promote digital textbooks and interactive content, introduce AI and technology-based learning modules and incorporate local contexts and Indian Knowledge Systems into the curriculum. These are positive signals; however, transparency and dialogue are equally important alongside such initiatives.
Education or Controversy: Conclusion
Changes in the NCERT curriculum are not inherently wrong. Education must evolve with time. However, when such changes are made without clear explanations, sudden decisions and sufficient dialogue, they tend to generate controversy.
Today, it is essential that curriculum reforms be undertaken through discussion with educationists, teachers and society at large. Students should be given not just information, but also understanding, sensitivity and wisdom. Education must be kept above politics and viewed from the perspective of national interest and future generations.
Ultimately, the key question remains: If the curriculum enables students to think, question and understand, then it is true education. If it limits these abilities, it becomes merely a subject of controversy.
