Established in 1961 to raise the standard of instruction, curricula, and educational resources, National Council of Educational Research and Training, NCERT is India's highest educational authority.
The Indian government created it in 1961 as a separate entity under the Ministry of Education. It was created by combining a number of already-existing organisations, such as the Central Institute of Education and other organisations that dealt with curriculum and teacher preparation.
The goal was to establish a single national organisation that could direct curriculum development, research, and school education policy across state lines. Its mission was to respect regional variation while creating a shared academic foundation.
NCERT was established on July 27, 1961, and officially began operations on September 1, 1961. Its purpose was to provide school education a national character and to support the federal and state governments with issues related to curriculum and policy.
An autonomous organisation under Ministry of Education, Government of India, its headquarters is in New Delhi.
One of its most important roles is developing the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which shapes how subjects are taught in schools. Its textbooks for Classes I to XII are widely used not only by CBSE schools but also by many state boards.
Additionally, it creates digital learning resources like ePathshala, teacher-training modules, and classroom materials in addition to developing the National Curriculum Framework.
State-wide training, assessment, and educational research are supported by NCERT research units and Regional Institutes of Education. The council recently halted the distribution of a Class 8 social science chapter due to judicial concerns, demonstrating the delicate nature of curriculum work. NCERT's textbooks and curriculum modifications are frequently the subject of public discussion.
In a significant move, it has been suggested that NCERT be granted deemed-university status, allowing it to provide professional and degree programs and increase its capacity for research.
All things considered, NCERT continues to play a crucial role in influencing India's educational system and the application of policies. It still has an impact on textbooks, teacher preparation, and educational discussions.
A political controversy has erupted following the formation of a new twenty-member panel by the National Council of Educational Research and Training for Class 11 and Class 12 Political Science textbooks. The dispute escalated after reports emerged that four members of the panel allegedly have ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its student affiliate, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, accused the ruling party of attempting to saffronise the education system and alter historical facts. Opposition leaders claimed that ideological influence is being injected into academic institutions and curriculum preparation panels. In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the allegations and criticized past UPA administration policies, alleging that left-leaning scholars were previously patronised to push a specific political narrative. The panel is tasked with integrating themes such as cultural rootedness and Indian knowledge systems into school textbooks.
A intense political war of words has erupted between the Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over the reconstituted 20-member National Council of Educational Research and Training panel formed to revise political science textbooks for classes 11 and 12. The opposition Congress alleged that the inclusion of four members with links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh represents a deliberate attempt at 'Sanghikaran' and a design by the BJP to inject ideological bias into school curriculums and alter history. Defending the panel, the BJP countered that RSS members are citizens and intellectuals with every right to contribute, while accusing previous Congress-led UPA governments of inducting left-leaning academics to rewrite history. The controversy escalates as political parties debate the composition of the textbook development committee.
This episode of 5 Live reports on the maternal health crisis in Rajasthan, where nineteen women died following caesarean sections and five suffer from kidney failure, amid allegations of medical negligence and fake drugs.
The big talking point of this episode of Democratic Newsroom is NCERT's decision to introduce a section on the Emergency years in the Class 9 social science textbook, which has sparked a political debate.
Politics has intensified over the MEA's clarification that a passport by itself isn't the conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.
The Supreme Court imposed a sweeping ban on an NCERT Class 8 textbook containing a chapter on judicial corruption, calling it a deep-rooted conspiracy to malign the institution.
The big focus of this episode of News Today is on the ban on NCERT Class 8 book over a chapter on 'judicial corruption' and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day Israel visit.
The Supreme Court has banned the NCERT's Class 8 Political Science textbook over a chapter containing references to judicial corruption.
The Supreme Court on Thursday banned NCERT's latest political science textbook for Class VIII, describing one chapter as a calculated attempt to erode the credibility of the judiciary.
The big focus of this episode of 5 Live is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel during which 16 agreements were inked, and 11 announcements made, elevating bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed displeasure during a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday regarding content related to corruption in the judiciary mentioned in a Class 8 textbook, according to sources.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed regret over NCERT book row and said it was 'very sad on what happened' and clarified there was 'no intention to insult the judiciary'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Madurai on March 1 and may offer prayers at the Thiruparankundram Murugan temple.
In this episode of 5 Live, the focus is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic 2-day Israel visit.
After the Supreme Court rap, preparations are underway to remove a controversial portion from the NCERT's 8th grade social science textbook that discusses the judiciary and corruption, according to sources.
In this India Today broadcast, anchor Anjali Pandey reports on the new NCERT Class 7 Social Science textbook, which now includes a detailed six-page section on Mahmud of Ghazni. The updated curriculum highlights Ghazni's 17 campaigns, his plunder of wealthy cities like Mathura and Somnath, and the mass killings of civilians. Reporter Aishwarya Pallival joins the discussion to explain the shift in historical perspective, noting that the 'expansion mindset' and brutality of invaders are now described in greater detail compared to earlier editions. The segment also mentions that the textbook cites scholar Al-Biruni to underscore the impact on India's cultural heritage.
In this Special Report, a heated debate erupts over the 'hegemony of English' versus the Indian Knowledge System. Former Rajya Sabha MP Professor Rakesh Sinha argues that the 'spirit of the mechanism' of English education suppresses Indian intellectuals, stating, 'It is not a question of rejecting or accepting Hindi, it is hegemony of the English.' Historian Dr. Ruchika Sharma counters Sinha's claims about ancient democracy, asserting that the Chola dynasty was a monarchy that 'destroyed cities and burned cities with impunity.' Senior Journalist Ashutosh questions the political disconnect, noting the BJP's 36% vote share in 2024, while commentator Tushar Gupta defends the Prime Minister's stance on cultural pride. The panel discusses decolonisation, the legacy of the Cholas, and the relevance of English in modern India.
This episode of "India First" focusses on the significant proceedings in Lok Sabha following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's introduction of the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2025.
The opposition has accused the government of pushing Hindu ideology through NCERT textbook changes, citing Akbar’s portrayal as cruel. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defends the revisions as evidence-based, claiming post-independence history was selectively written. He denies any BJP or Sangh agenda, saying the aim is to reconnect with India’s heritage and present the full truth.
In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak's Managing Editor, Anjana Om Kashyap, actor-politician Smriti Irani talked about her comeback to TV with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, her political future and a slew of issues.
