Latest news with #NationalCouncilofEducationalResearchandTraining
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
A CUET revolution: Schools as pathways to higher education
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2025 concluded earlier this week, with over 13 lakh students taking the test this year. Now in its fourth year, CUET is India's second-largest undergraduate entrance exam after the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), with over 280 universities relying on it for admissions. If managed well, CUET could be India's gateway to realising the Viksit Bharat vision. India's vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 is built on a bold promise: A future where young minds drive economic growth, powered by an education that will create real skills and jobs. With over 65% of the population under the age of 35, the stakes are immense in education. A key milestone on this path is raising the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education from the present 28.4% to at least 50% by 2035, while ensuring that more graduates are not just degree-holders but job-ready for a rapidly evolving world. For Viksit Bharat to succeed, India needs a workforce equipped with future-ready skills and not just degrees. But with GER stuck at its current level, millions are still missing out on higher education, leading to employability challenges. The solution starts with better access, and that is where CUET plays an important role. Over the last two decades, India has largely solved the issue of access to school education. Now is the time to do the same for higher education and build a workforce that is employable at scale. CUET is reshaping college admissions, making them fairer and more accessible. It plays a crucial role in helping India achieve its goal of a 50% GER. However, for this to be successful, schools must look beyond board exams and recognise CUET as one of their core responsibilities, along with quality education, career readiness, better affordability, and robust infrastructure. But are our schools ready to go beyond their traditional role of preparing students for board exams? For decades, Indian schools have been board-centric, leaving students to depend on coaching centres for entrance exams. CUET, a National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)-aligned entrance exam available in 13 languages, can change that. It levels the playing field, giving a student from a remote town the same shot at, say, Delhi University, as a student from the Capital. This kind of accessibility naturally encourages more students to pursue higher education. Of course, increasing the GER also depends on the quality of higher education institutions and the job prospects they offer. But in a country like India, sometimes, demand needs to be created first to expose the gaps in supply and catalyse at-scale changes. India's future cannot rest on a handful of students making it to top engineering and medical colleges. Globally, tests like the US's Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for university admissions have long simplified the process while expanding access, helping skilled talent to flow into economies. However, CUET must not get reduced to another coaching-driven hurdle like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) or the NEET, losing its essence of fairness and inclusivity. Schools can prevent this by weaving CUET preparation into their mission. With the National Testing Agency (NTA) confirming that the syllabus for CUET 2025 will align with the NCERT's Class 12 framework, board and CUET preparation can merge seamlessly in the school. This is an opportunity to align education with students' career aspirations, not just mere exam scores. Imagine a school where teachers are focusing not only on the board results but also on CUET scores and undergraduate course enrollment. Compare this with some of the countries, where teachers see career guidance and higher education discovery as their core duty. They don't just teach, they mentor students towards universities that match their aspirations, helping them prepare for their entrance exams and beyond. Indian schools could take a leaf out from this book, evolving into comprehensive learning hubs as envisaged by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In a country like India, this step also addresses critical concerns around equity and affordability by eliminating dependency on coaching centres. Ultimately, this isn't just about exams; it's about equipping youth to lead India's rise, where every classroom fuels a future of innovation, jobs, and prosperity. And schools at the centre of this movement is the most likely way this momentum can be created. Hemant Joshi is the CEO of Benesse India, an education enterprise and a subsidiary of Benesse Corporation, Japan. Chaitanya Naik is a team member of Benesse, India. The views expressed are personal. Get 360° coverage—from daily headlines to 100 year archives.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
NCERT files 29 FIRs in one year over printing of pirated textbooks
NEW DELHI: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has seized more than 5 lakh copies of pirated NCERT textbooks. A record 29 FIRs have been registered against printers, warehouse owners and retailers of these books. Printing paper and machinery worth over Rs 20 crore were also seized in the last 14 months from UP and Haryana. Among the numerous steps taken to curb piracy was the sale of NCERT books without delivery charges on e-commerce sites. An official release said that piracy was a cognizable offence under the Copyright Act, 1957. Initially, NCERT, along with the UP Police, conducted a raid on a warehouse in Muzaffarnagar and seized over 1.5 lakh pirated textbooks worth over Rs.2 Crore, it said. They were found loaded into one truck and two cars. A large number of printing plates too were found. Eight accused were arrested on the spot, the release added. 'A printing press in Samalkha (Haryana) was also raided and a large number of printing plates being used for printing pirated NCERT textbooks, copies of the books, and machinery were seized,' it said.
NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
NCERT and UP Police Seize Over 5 Lakh Pirated Textbooks Worth Rs.20 Crore
NCERT Pirated Textbooks: National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), responsible for textbook preparation, teacher training and curriculum development has published over 220 crore textbooks since their establishment in 1963. Recently, NCERT has noticed widespread piracy of its textbooks across India and has started to take proactive measures against those responsible. A recorded 29 FIRs were filed against several printers, warehouse owners, and retailers of pirated NCERT textbooks. As per the notification issued by the Ministry of Education, more than 5 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks, machinery and printing paper worth over Rs. 20 lakh has been seized by the police authorities. Recently, NCERT collaborated with the UP Police to curb textbook piracy and arrested eight individuals on the spot. The accused were found in possession of over 1.8 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks, valued at more than ₹2 crore. A printing press in Haryana was also raided and a larger number of printing plates were seized. NCERT has taken various measures to curb the menace of pirated textbooks and to reduce the loss caused. 1. NCERT has focused on improvement the quality of paper and printing of NCERT textbooks. 2. NCERT is making sure that textbooks are printed on time and available in sufficient quantities in the market. 3. Strict action is being taken against those involved in printing, distributing, or selling pirated NCERT books. 4. Legal steps have been taken against a paper mill in Kashipur that was producing fake NCERT watermarked paper. 5. NCERT textbooks are now also available on major e-commerce platforms, sold at MRP with no delivery charges. 6. A new tech-based anti-piracy solution, developed by IIT Kanpur, has been introduced in NCERT textbooks. It has already been tested on 1 million copies of one title, and will be rolled out across all titles next academic year, replacing the old watermark system that is now outdated and easily duplicated. Further investigation by NCERT and the police authorities is still underway to identify who is the mastermind behind these distribution and selling of pirated NCERT textbook.
News18
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
From Digital India To Covid-19: NCERT Introduces 7 Teaching Module For Classes 1 To 12
Last Updated: The NCERT modules will cover various topics including digital technology, cleanliness, environment, sports, democracy and cultural heritage. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released seven new modules for students from class 1 to 12. These modules will cover various topics including digital technology, cleanliness, environment, sports, democracy and cultural heritage. They aim to make learning interesting and effective through stories, case studies, quizzes and interactive activities. Digital India: In the primary level module, children will be introduced to digital payments like UPI apps. While at the middle and higher level, students will be taught about digital platforms like DigiLocker, Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, Umang App. This module will also include a story about a jewelery artisan from Rajasthan showing how small businesses are also benefiting from government digital resources. Mental Health and Digital Helpline: This module will tell the story of a student named Rewa, who handles her emotions using the National Mental Health Helpline Tele Manas. The story is an attempt to explain the importance of mental health among children and youth. Democracy and Electoral traditions: Students will be informed about the evolution of India's democracy from its inception to modern electoral institutions. The focus will be on the idea of welfare state in Kautilya's Arthashastra. COVID-19: This module uses pictures, activities and science-based modelling to explain the symptoms of the pandemic and prevention methods to children. For higher secondary students, activities will include creating a 3D model of the virus and interacting with affected people. Heritage and Development: This module introduces children to the cultural heritage of India, such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and Kamakhya Temple in Assam. It also encourages understanding of culture through stories related to monuments and multilingual vocabulary. These new modules aim to connect children with technology, as well as make them aware of their culture, health, environment and democracy. First Published: May 28, 2025, 14:37 IST
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Covid, Vikas, India's digital power: NCERT rolls out new lessons. Here's what kids will learn
– When Nisha lost her degree certificate just before a job interview, she recovered it within minutes using DigiLocker. – In rural Assam, a family used the Ayushman Bharat app to get emergency care for a critically ill patient. – Elsewhere, a group of students concerned about local pollution levels accessed government air quality data, launched a social media campaign with the hashtag #CleanAirCleanTown, and presented their findings to local authorities, prompting real action. These real-world examples are now part of a new learning module released by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for students from Grades 1 to 12. Titled India's Digital Success and Power, it is one of seven modules launched by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on May 19 in Delhi. It aims to integrate real-life learning and national themes into the school curriculum. The seven modules cover a wide range of subjects: Swachhata (cleanliness); Covid-19 Management, Asian Games Sporting Success (includes Khelo India games); Bharat – Mother of Democracy, India as Fifth Economic Power; India's Digital Success and Power; and Virasat aur Vikas (Heritage and Development). They are designed for four stages of schooling — foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary — and use a mix of stories, case studies, quiz questions, and interactive activities. According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, the modules 'reflect India's belief in 'language as cultural identity' and 'education as empowerment'.' They have been made available this month digitally via the NCERT's website. The modules: A breakdown Digital India: One preparatory-level story shows a mother using a UPI app to pay at a bookstore after forgetting her wallet, introducing digital finance in a relatable way. When the character Lucky injures his arm, he continues learning through videos and worksheets on the DIKSHA app — underlining how technology plays a role in education access, even at an early age. At the middle and secondary stages, students are introduced to platforms such as Aadhaar, DigiLocker, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, DigiYatra, UMANG, and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). A case study features Brij Kishor, a jewellery artisan from Rajasthan, who uses GeM to sell his products across India, including to a government office, revealing how small businesses are being supported through public digital infrastructure. Mental health services are another focus area. One narrative follows a student named Riva who accesses India's national mental health helpline, Tele MANAS (14416), after feeling overwhelmed. The story opens a conversation around digital access to emotional support and care. Democracy: It explores voting traditions from Buddhist sanghas and Chola-era Kudavolai systems to the structure of modern electoral institutions. Covid-19: Presents the pandemic through both science and storytelling. At the foundational level, students match symptoms like fever, fatigue, and breathing trouble with illustrated posters they may have seen during the pandemic. One activity invites them to tick off what they experienced during Covid: 'Did you feel tired? Did you have a cough? Could you smell your food?' For older students, there's an exercise to build a 3D model of the virus using eco-friendly material and another that asks them to interview COVID-affected individuals and document long-term effects, bridging health science with personal experience. Swachhata: For young learners, it introduces a colourful character called the 'Swachhata Wizard' who guides children through a role-play in a messy playground. He is joined by animated characters like the Blue Bin (for recyclable waste), the Green Bin (for non-recyclable waste), and a Sorting Robot. Together, they teach students about composting and segregation. Secondary-level students, meanwhile, discuss how individual behaviour shapes public health. 'When our daily actions reflect cleanliness,' says a teacher character, 'the country doesn't need a separate campaign' Sports: Real-life examples from the 2023 Asian Games — where India won a record 107 medals — are used to inspire students. It features sportspersons like Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary and how 125 athletes were trained under the Khelo India scheme. One classroom dialogue reads: 'Can someone bring glory to the nation without joining the defence services?' A teacher responds, 'Yes, through sports,' and then introduces achievements like winning all five golds in archery and the rise of India's para-athletes. Virasat aur Vikas: This explores how India's cultural legacy intersects with modern development. According to the module guidelines, it 'seeks to instil in the minds of the children at the middle and secondary stages a sense of pride in our heritage, have a feeling of belongingness, and at the same time have a global perspective'. Students are introduced to sites such as the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and the Kamakhya temple in Assam, with references to recent government efforts like the Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana. Students are also encouraged to 'write scripts for drama on legend or stories associated with monuments' or 'develop a multilingual glossary of terms used in the context of culture'. These latest offerings follow a previous set of NCERT modules launched last year on India's G20 Presidency, Viksit Bharat, and Nari Shakti Vandan.
