What is NCERT?
Historical Background
Key Points
14 points- 1.
The NCERT develops and publishes textbooks for classes 1 to 12. These textbooks are widely used in schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and many state boards. Think of these books as the standard curriculum followed by millions of students across the country. For example, the Class 10 science textbook is used by almost every student studying science in that grade.
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The NCERT provides academic resources and support to schools and teachers. This includes developing teaching-learning materials, conducting workshops, and providing guidance on curriculum implementation. This helps teachers stay updated with the latest teaching methods and best practices. For instance, the NCERT conducts regular training programs for teachers on how to effectively use its textbooks.
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The NCERT conducts educational research to improve the quality of school education. This research covers various aspects, such as curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and assessment techniques. The findings of this research are used to inform policy decisions and improve educational practices. For example, the NCERT has conducted research on the impact of technology on learning outcomes.
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The NCERT advises the Central and State Governments on matters related to school education. This includes providing inputs on policy formulation, curriculum reforms, and teacher training. The NCERT's expertise is highly valued by policymakers. For instance, the NCERT played a key role in the formulation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
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The NCERT works to promote inclusive education, ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities and those from marginalized communities, have access to quality education. This involves developing special educational materials and providing support to schools to create inclusive learning environments. For example, the NCERT has developed textbooks in Braille for visually impaired students.
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The NCERT is responsible for conducting the National Achievement Survey (NAS), which assesses the learning outcomes of students in different subjects at the national level. This survey provides valuable data on the strengths and weaknesses of the education system. The data from the NAS is used to identify areas where improvements are needed and to inform policy decisions.
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The NCERT's curriculum framework is based on the principle of constructivism, which emphasizes active learning and the construction of knowledge by students themselves. This approach encourages students to think critically and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This is a shift away from rote learning and towards a more engaging and meaningful learning experience.
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The NCERT also focuses on promoting value education, aiming to instill in students values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for others. This is done through the inclusion of value-based content in textbooks and through various co-curricular activities. The goal is to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also ethical and responsible citizens.
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The NCERT has regional institutes of education (RIEs) located in different parts of the country. These institutes provide teacher education programs and conduct research on regional educational issues. They serve as important centers for teacher training and educational development at the regional level. For example, the RIE in Mysore focuses on teacher education and research in the southern region of India.
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The NCERT is not directly responsible for the implementation of education policies at the state level. State governments and state education boards have the autonomy to adapt the NCERT curriculum and textbooks to suit their specific needs and contexts. However, many states choose to follow the NCERT curriculum closely, especially in schools affiliated with the CBSE.
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The NCERT has faced criticism for being overly centralized and for not adequately reflecting the diversity of India's cultures and languages in its textbooks. There have been calls for greater decentralization and for the inclusion of more diverse perspectives in the curriculum. This is an ongoing debate in the education sector.
- 12.
The NCERT plays a crucial role in developing model syllabi for various subjects. These syllabi provide a framework for curriculum development and ensure that students are learning the essential concepts and skills in each subject. The model syllabi are regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in each field.
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The NCERT also works on developing alternative academic calendars, especially during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These calendars provide guidance to schools and teachers on how to continue teaching and learning activities in a flexible and adaptable manner. This helps to minimize the disruption to students' education.
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The NCERT is increasingly focusing on integrating technology into education. This includes developing e-content, providing online teacher training, and promoting the use of digital tools in the classroom. The goal is to enhance the learning experience and to prepare students for the digital age.
Recent Developments
6 developmentsIn 2023, the NCERT revised its textbooks to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing new content and pedagogical approaches.
In 2024, the NCERT removed certain topics from its textbooks, including chapters on the Mughal empire and the Gujarat riots, leading to controversy and debate about the objectivity of the curriculum.
In 2024, the NCERT announced the development of a new curriculum framework for early childhood care and education (ECCE), focusing on play-based learning and holistic development.
In 2023, the NCERT launched a new online portal for teachers to access training materials and resources, aiming to improve teacher professional development.
In 2022, the NCERT conducted a national survey on the learning losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, providing valuable data for policymakers to address the challenges in the education sector.
In 2024, the NCERT issued a statement apologizing for 'inappropriate textual material' in a Class 8 textbook, highlighting the importance of careful review and quality control in textbook development.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
121. Why does NCERT exist? What specific problem in Indian education was it designed to solve that other bodies couldn't?
NCERT was established in 1961 to address the lack of uniformity and quality in school education across India. Before NCERT, different states followed different curricula, leading to disparities in learning outcomes. NCERT was created to provide a national-level body to standardize the curriculum, develop textbooks, and improve teaching methods, ensuring a more equitable and qualitative education system across the country. It acts as a central resource for both central and state governments.
2. What is the most common MCQ trap related to NCERT's role? For example, what action is often mistakenly attributed to NCERT?
A common MCQ trap is attributing policy-making decisions directly to NCERT. While NCERT advises the government on education policy, it doesn't have the authority to independently formulate or implement national education policies. The Ministry of Education is ultimately responsible for policy decisions. Students often confuse NCERT's advisory role with a decision-making one.
Exam Tip
Remember: NCERT *advises*, the Ministry *decides*.
3. NCERT textbooks are widely used, but what percentage of Indian schools *don't* use them, and why?
While NCERT books are prevalent in CBSE-affiliated schools, a significant portion of state board schools do not use them directly. Estimates suggest that approximately 40-50% of Indian schools, primarily those affiliated with various state boards, either use their own textbooks or adapt NCERT content. This is because state boards have the autonomy to design their own curriculum and choose textbooks that align with their specific regional needs and priorities.
4. What is the National Achievement Survey (NAS) conducted by NCERT, and why is it important for UPSC aspirants to know about it?
The National Achievement Survey (NAS) is a nationwide survey conducted by NCERT to assess the learning outcomes of students in various subjects at different grade levels. It provides data on the effectiveness of the education system and identifies areas where improvements are needed. For UPSC aspirants, understanding NAS is crucial because it reflects the quality of human capital development in India, a key factor in socio-economic progress. Questions related to education quality, learning outcomes, and government interventions can be linked to NAS findings in both GS Paper II and III.
5. How does the NCERT's constructivist approach to curriculum differ from traditional rote learning methods, and what are the practical challenges in implementing it effectively in Indian classrooms?
NCERT's constructivist approach emphasizes active learning, where students construct their own knowledge through experience and critical thinking, unlike rote learning which focuses on memorization. Practical challenges include: 1. Large class sizes hindering individual attention. 2. Inadequate teacher training in constructivist methodologies. 3. Lack of resources and infrastructure to support activity-based learning. 4. Parental expectations that still prioritize textbook-based learning and marks.
- •Large class sizes hindering individual attention
- •Inadequate teacher training in constructivist methodologies
- •Lack of resources and infrastructure to support activity-based learning
- •Parental expectations that still prioritize textbook-based learning and marks
6. What are some recent controversies surrounding NCERT textbook revisions, and how do these controversies reflect broader debates about history and national identity in India?
Recent controversies include the removal of chapters on the Mughal empire and the Gujarat riots from NCERT textbooks. Critics argue that these revisions represent an attempt to rewrite history from a particular ideological perspective, potentially promoting a biased or incomplete understanding of India's past. Supporters claim the changes aim to reduce curriculum load and focus on more relevant topics. These controversies highlight the ongoing debate about how history should be taught and what constitutes Indian national identity.
7. What is the one-line distinction between NCERT and CBSE that is crucial for answering statement-based MCQs?
NCERT *creates* the curriculum and textbooks, while CBSE *implements* that curriculum in its affiliated schools.
Exam Tip
Think: NCERT = the writer, CBSE = the director.
8. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions significant changes in school education. How is NCERT adapting its curriculum and pedagogy to align with the NEP's goals?
NCERT is revising its textbooks and curriculum to align with NEP 2020 by: 1. Introducing competency-based learning. 2. Integrating experiential learning and critical thinking. 3. Reducing curriculum content to focus on core concepts. 4. Promoting multilingualism and Indian knowledge systems. 5. Emphasizing holistic development and value education. The 2023 textbook revisions reflect these changes.
- •Introducing competency-based learning
- •Integrating experiential learning and critical thinking
- •Reducing curriculum content to focus on core concepts
- •Promoting multilingualism and Indian knowledge systems
- •Emphasizing holistic development and value education
9. What are the strongest criticisms leveled against NCERT, and how could these shortcomings be addressed?
Strongest criticisms include: 1. Allegations of ideological bias in textbook content. 2. Delayed updates to curriculum, making it outdated. 3. Lack of flexibility to cater to diverse regional needs. To address these, NCERT could: 1. Establish a transparent and inclusive curriculum development process involving diverse stakeholders. 2. Implement a regular review and update mechanism for textbooks. 3. Allow for greater regional adaptation of the curriculum while maintaining core national standards.
- •Allegations of ideological bias in textbook content
- •Delayed updates to curriculum, making it outdated
- •Lack of flexibility to cater to diverse regional needs
10. How does NCERT ensure inclusive education, particularly for children with disabilities, and what more could be done in this area?
NCERT promotes inclusive education by: 1. Developing textbooks in Braille and other accessible formats. 2. Providing training to teachers on inclusive teaching practices. 3. Including content on diversity and inclusion in textbooks. To further improve, NCERT could: 1. Increase collaboration with disability experts. 2. Develop more specialized resources for children with diverse needs. 3. Promote greater awareness and sensitivity towards disability among students and teachers.
- •Developing textbooks in Braille and other accessible formats
- •Providing training to teachers on inclusive teaching practices
- •Including content on diversity and inclusion in textbooks
11. What is the legal basis for NCERT's autonomy, and why is this autonomy important for its functioning?
NCERT is an autonomous organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This autonomy is crucial because it allows NCERT to function independently of direct government control in academic matters, ensuring that curriculum development and research are based on pedagogical principles and expert knowledge rather than political considerations. This independence is vital for maintaining the credibility and quality of educational materials.
12. How does India's NCERT compare to similar curriculum development organizations in other countries like Finland or South Korea, known for their high-performing education systems?
Compared to Finland and South Korea, NCERT faces unique challenges due to India's vast size, diverse population, and varying levels of educational infrastructure. While Finnish and South Korean systems emphasize teacher autonomy and continuous professional development, NCERT's implementation is often hampered by bureaucratic hurdles and inadequate teacher training. Also, these countries have a more decentralized approach, while NCERT aims for national standardization, which can be a strength and a weakness. However, NCERT is increasingly focusing on competency-based learning, similar to the approaches in these countries.