Latest news with #NationalCurriculumFrameworkforSchoolEducation
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
CBSE plans to extend 2-tier STEM curriculum for Classes 11 and 12
After deciding to offer Science and Social Science at two levels – basic and advanced — at the secondary stage, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) plans to extend the model to STEM subjects at the higher secondary level, starting with Class 11, The Sunday Express has learnt. The CBSE currently offers Mathematics at two levels in Class 10 — standard and basic. The examination for the basic level is easier than that for the standard one, but the question papers for both levels are based on the same syllabus. In December last year, its governing body, the Board's highest decision-making authority, approved a proposal to extend this model to Science and Social Science in Classes 9 and 10, paving the way for all three subjects to be offered in basic and advanced formats, beginning with Class 9 in the 2026–27 academic session. This is now expected to be extended, at least for STEM subjects, at the higher secondary level, with the rollout beginning for Class 11 students in the 2026–27 academic session. Government sources, however, pointed out that the timeline remains flexible as the rollout depends on when the new NCERT textbooks for higher classes are released, and how they accommodate learning at two levels. So far, the NCERT has released new textbooks aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 for Classes 1 to 4, and Classes 6 and 7. Textbooks for Classes 5 and 8 are being made available in the current academic session, leaving those for Classes 9 to 12 scheduled for the sessions ahead. According to NCERT notifications setting up textbook development teams for higher classes, textbooks for Classes 9 and 11 are expected to be ready later this year. The CBSE's decision to offer subjects at two levels is in line with the NEP and the NCFSE. For Classes 9 to 12, the NCFSE recommends that subjects and examinations be offered at different levels (basic and advanced). Similarly, the NEP says that 'all subjects and corresponding assessments, beginning with mathematics, could be offered at two levels, with students doing some of their subjects at the standard level and some at a higher level.' A source pointed out that the NCFSE envisions Classes 9 to 12 as a continuum, categorising these classes together as the 'secondary stage'. On the reasons behind introducing subjects at two levels for Classes 9 and 10, the minutes of the CBSE governing body meeting from December last year noted: 'Introducing two levels for these subjects would allow students to select the level of complexity that best aligns with their interests and future pathways, thereby promoting meaningful engagement and reducing academic stress.' The minutes also stated that students inclined towards engineering, medicine or other STEM careers could opt for an advanced level in Science. As for Social Science, the advanced level could, the meeting minutes note, 'facilitate deeper exploration of historical events, geographical patterns and economic systems, fostering analytical and critical thinking skills.' The standard level is meant to help students understand the 'broader significance of concepts in real-world contexts.' CBSE's experience with offering Mathematics at two levels in Class 10 shows that almost 30% of students prefer the basic level. In the 2023-24 Class 10 Board exam, 15,88,041 students registered for the standard paper, compared to 6,79,560 for the basic. Sources said that for Class 11, two levels of a subject like Mathematics, for instance, would give a student the option of studying it at the basic level if they don't intend to pursue it in higher education. A student may also choose one subject at a higher level and another at a basic level, they said. Last year, the CBSE had, on a pilot basis, offered Mathematics, Science and Social Science at an advanced level to Class 9 students who volunteered for it in select private schools. After the assessment, students' feedback indicated an interest in the advanced levels, sources said. The CBSE, sources said, is still considering how the final board exam results can reflect that a student has taken the advanced level. The proposal for classes 9 and 10 that the governing body considered in December pointed to the possibility of a separate question paper annexure with additional questions for students opting for the advanced level.
NDTV
4 days ago
- General
- NDTV
NCERT Launches New Class 8 Sanskrit Textbook To Encourage Logical Thinking In Students
NCERT New Textbook 2025: The National Council of Education, Research and Training has launched a new Sanskrit textbook for Class 8 based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. NCERT has introduced the new Sanskrit textbook with a focus on many features. Here is a list of some of the new features included in the Sanskrit textbook. Project-based learning has been introduced to foster logical and creative thinking in students. Picture-based learning and practical grammar exercises have been incorporated with a special focus on diagnosis and improvement. Modern lessons like 'Digital India' have also been introduced in the textbook. The new Sanskrit textbook has many colorful writing exercises for fun and useful activities. The textbook has poetic glimpses of human values and introduces Sanskrit texts such as "Hitopadesha" and "Charaka Samhita". As per the post on (formerly known as twitter) by NCERT, a new Sanskrit textbook "Deepakam" for Class 8 has been launched. NCERT प्रस्तुत: 'दीपकम् – कक्षा ̊8̊ संस्कृत पाठ्यपुस्तक' अब NEP 2020 और NCF SE 2023 के अनुरूप आधारित है।* वेब पोर्टल पर डाउनलोड करें: 🔑 खास विशेषताएँ: • सोच समूह व परियोजनात्मक कार्य – तार्किक एवं रचनात्मक विचारों को प्रोत्साहित। • रंगीन लेखन… — NCERT (@ncert) July 18, 2025 NCERT has launched several textbooks for Class 5 and 8 in the past few days based on the NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. Students can buy the new textbooks on the NCERT's official website and on also.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
All Facts Based On Well-Known Academic Sources: NCERT On Mughal Chapter Row
NCERT has clarified that its Class 8 Mughal history textbook is based on well-known sources and aims to promote holistic learning for students. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an clarification following criticism of its newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook, 'Exploring Society, India and Beyond". The textbook, introduced under the updated National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has sparked debate for its portrayal of prominent Mughal rulers such as Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb. Concerns were raised regarding descriptions in the textbook that refer to Babur as a 'brutal and ruthless conqueror", depict Akbar's rule as a mixture of 'brutality and tolerance", and describe Aurangzeb as someone who demolished temples and gurdwaras. Critics argue that such characterisations may give young learners a skewed or negative impression of the Mughal era. In response, NCERT stated that the textbook is based on well-established primary and secondary academic sources, and has been designed to provide students with a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of India's past, particularly the period spanning the 13th to mid-19th century. 'The objective is not to overwhelm children with excessive facts, but to help them develop a critical understanding of how events in history have shaped the India we live in today," the council said in a statement. The book integrates elements of history, geography, economics, and governance, and follows the framework outlined in the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. To address possible concerns about misinterpretation or bias, NCERT has included a note on page 20, titled 'A Note on Some Darker Periods in History". This section acknowledges that history often involves episodes of violence and conflict, and advises readers not to hold present-day individuals or communities accountable for the actions of historical figures. NCERT further emphasised that the textbook must be read in its entirety and not judged based on isolated excerpts. It reiterated that the goal is to foster balanced, contextual, and holistic learning, not to create division or promote prejudice. This clarification arrives amidst wider discussions on the evolving nature of history education in Indian schools, particularly as the new curriculum encourages the blending of factual content with critical thinking and ethical awareness. The textbook remains in use, with NCERT urging educators, parents, and students to approach it as part of a sincere and thoughtful effort to deepen understanding of India's complex and layered past. view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 09:08 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Akbar brutal but tolerant, Babur ruthless': NCERT revises Mughal-era description; adds a no-blame footnote
In a significant pedagogical shift, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a new Class 8 Social Science textbook titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, offering a more layered and candid portrayal of India's medieval past. The new volume, part of the new curriculum under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) 2023, shifts the study of the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and colonial encounters from Class 7 to Class 8, aligning with the Council's restructured thematic and chronological focus. The textbook's chapter titled Reshaping India's Political Map presents major political shifts between the 13th and 17th centuries. It covers the rise and decline of the Delhi Sultanate, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Mughal dynasty, and the emergence of Sikh resistance. What distinguishes this update is not just its content, but its tone. It invites students to examine the past critically without assigning modern-day blame. A preface to the chapter sets this framework clearly: 'History sometimes seems to be full of wars and destruction. Should we omit them entirely? The best approach is to face them and analyse them so as to understand what made such developments possible and, hopefully, help avoid their recurrence in future. It is important to study those darker developments dispassionately, without blaming anyone living today for them. ' How Babur 's arrival is now framed The revised chapter begins its examination of the Mughal era with Babur, founder of the dynasty, whose arrival from Central Asia changed the subcontinent's political map. The textbook outlines his key victories, particularly the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, and his use of advanced military techniques such as field artillery. While the textbook acknowledges Babur's strategic acumen and his observations in the Baburnama, it also notes his destruction of temples and the religious motivations behind some of his campaigns. These details aim to provide students with an unvarnished understanding of the conquest and its cultural impact, without assigning simplistic labels. Redefining Akbar 's reign Among the central figures re-evaluated is Emperor Akbar, who took the throne at the age of 13 following Humayun's death. The textbook acknowledges both his military conquests and his attempts at religious accommodation, describing his rule as a 'blend of brutality and tolerance, shaped by ambition and strategy.' One example is the 1568 siege of Chittorgarh, where thousands were massacred and women and children enslaved. Citing Akbar's own dispatches, the book offers insight into his motivations for religious conquest. Yet, it also highlights how Akbar abolished the jizya (a tax on non-Muslims), included Rajput leaders in his court, and promoted sulh-i-kul or 'peace with all.' His translation project at Fatehpur Sikri, which rendered Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana into Persian, is presented as part of a broader cultural vision. A quote from his biographer, Abul Fazl, underscores Akbar's personal evolution: 'Formerly I persecuted men into conformity with my faith. As I grew in knowledge, I was overwhelmed with shame. Not being a Muslim myself, it was unmeet to force others to become such.' Shifting the lens on Aurangzeb In contrast, Aurangzeb is introduced as a ruler whose territorial expansion was matched by increasing religious conservatism. The textbook documents how he reinstated the jizya, banned music and dance at court, and imposed pilgrimage taxes on Hindus. The destruction of temples in cities such as Banaras and Mathura is discussed alongside the persecution of Sikhs, Sufis, Jains, and Parsis. The succession struggle that brought Aurangzeb to power is also detailed. Students learn how he defeated Dara Shikoh, executed rivals, and imprisoned his father, Shah Jahan, the emperor behind the Taj Mahal. Studying the past, not living in it While the inclusion of violent episodes might spark debate, NCERT has clarified its intent. In a statement quoted by ANI, the council said: 'While those happenings cannot be erased or denied, it would be wrong to hold anyone today responsible for them. Understanding the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule, or misplaced ambitions of power is the best way to heal the past and build a future where, hopefully, they will have no place.' The textbook encourages students to engage with history not as a catalogue of heroes and villains, but as a record of choices, consequences, and contradictions. By combining accounts of conflict with stories of reform and cultural exchange, it offers a more rounded view of the past. As India continues to revisit its historical narratives through updated academic frameworks, Exploring Society: India and Beyond signals a shift toward critical thinking in the classroom. It invites learners to interpret and contextualise, rather than simply memorise or judge. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Acharya Kanad To ISRO: NCERT Class 8 Book Maps India's Scientific Legacy
Grounding modern scientific concepts in the rich heritage of ancient Indian discoveries, the new NCERT Class 8 science textbook titled 'Curiosity' has taken a fresh turn. The 228-page textbook brings to the forefront Acharya Kanad's atomic theory, Bhaskara II's astronomical experiments with water bowls, bridging traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary science. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, the book not only focuses on experiential and inquiry-based learning but also highlights India's long-standing scientific temper. "This integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific education is intended to develop curiosity, environmental awareness, ethical values, and critical thinking," the foreword notes. "Long before modern vaccines, India had a traditional method called variolation to protect against smallpox," reads a section titled 'Our Scientific Heritage' in the chapter 'Health: The Ultimate Treasure'. Variolation is a practice that predates Edward Jenner's work on vaccination. The chapter also features an 'Ever Heard Of?' section spotlighting India's recent contributions to global health. "Indian vaccine companies played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to support the global health efforts," it says, linking ancient practices to modern advancements. The book recalls the work of Acharya Kanad, an ancient Indian philosopher, in chapter titled 'Particulate Nature of Matter'. It is this philosopher who proposed the concept of Parmanu (atom). "He believed that matter is made up of tiny, eternal particles called Parmanu," the textbook notes, referencing his work 'Vaisheshika Sutras'. Moving to the world of metals and mixtures, the chapter 'Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures' explores how ancient Indian texts referred to alloys like Bronze which is known as 'Kamsya', "an alloy made up of Copper (Tamra, 4 parts) and Tin (Vanga, 1 part), and was used to improve digestion and boost immunity," the book reads. Astronomy gets a historical lens in 'Light: Mirrors and Lenses', where the book notes that Indian astronomers during Bhaskara II's time used shallow water bowls and angled tubes over 800 years ago to study celestial reflections to "measure the positions of stars and planets in the sky", demonstrating practical knowledge of reflection before the laws were formally recorded. Verses from the ancient text 'Taittirīya Saṃhitā' have been included in chapter titled 'Keeping Time with the Skies', illustrating the Sun's six-month journey in its northern and southern directions. It also includes ISRO's space missions, from Chandrayaan 1, 2 and 3, to Aditya L1 and Mangalyaan, portraying a continuum of Indian exploration from ancient texts to interplanetary missions. The book is designed not just to inform, but to inspire. Sections like 'Be a Scientist' elaborate the role of Indian scientists including Vikram Sarabhai, Meghnad Saha, Asima Chatterjee, Kamal Ranadive, and Maharaj Kishan Bhan. NCERT is rolling out these updated textbooks in a phased manner. After launching new books for Classes 1 and 2 in 2023, and Classes 3 and 6 in 2024, textbooks for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 are being released this year.
