NCERT Forms 19-Member Committee for Textbook Revision

NCERT Forms 19-Member Committee for Textbook Revision

Subject: Polity

Section: National body

Context

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has established a high-powered committee to revise and develop new textbooks for Grades 3 to 12, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP).

Committee Members 

Chairperson and Co-Chairperson:

• Shri M. C. Pant, Chancellor, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) – Chairperson
• Prof. Manjul Bhargava, Princeton University – Co-Chairperson

Committee’s Responsibilities

• The committee is tasked with revising and developing school syllabus, textbooks, and teaching-learning materials for Grades 3 to 12.
• It will also appropriately revise existing textbooks of Classes 1 and 2 to ensure a smooth transition between classes.
• The curriculum will align with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) developed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Curricular Area Groups (CAGs)

• The NSTC will be assisted by Curricular Area Groups (CAGs) to develop textbooks and learning materials for different subjects.
• The Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of NSTC will form CAGs with experts and support from NCERT.
• Experts from various domains will be invited as needed.

Oversight and Support

• A National Oversight Committee (NOC) will be constituted to support the NSTC’s work.
• The NSTC will be assisted by a Programme Office set up by the NCERT, providing necessary expertise and support.
• More than 1,000 subject experts will be engaged in curriculum development and textbook designing across different domains and subjects.

Publication and Timeline

• Textbooks and learning materials will cover curricular areas mentioned in the NCF-SE, including subjects and support materials.
• The finalized materials will be published and distributed by the NCERT.
• The committee aims to complete the revision process by the end of the current academic year, preparing new textbooks for the next academic year (2024-25).

NCERT:

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organization established in 1961.
• Its mission is to enhance the quality of school education in India through curriculum development, textbooks, research, and teacher training.

Evolution of NCERT:

• 1961: NCERT was established to standardize education and create quality textbooks for schools across India.
• 1970s-80s: NCERT shifted its focus to child-centered education, promoting activity-based learning methods.
• 1980s-2000s: The development of National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs) began, guiding curriculum design and teaching practices.
• Recent Years: NCERT embraced technology, conducted research, and expanded its role in policy advice and educational research, aligning with contemporary educational trends.

National Curriculum Framework (NCF):

• NCF is a guideline document created by NCERT to shape curriculum, teaching, and assessment strategies.
• It emphasizes holistic development, conceptual understanding, and innovative pedagogical approaches.

Evolution of NCF:

• 1975: The first NCF introduced holistic education and learner-centric approaches.
• 1988: The second NCF emphasized integrated learning and a flexible curriculum.
• 2000: The third NCF focused on stress-free education, experiential learning, and social awareness.
• 2005: The fourth NCF highlighted inclusive education, life skills, and assessment reforms.

2023: National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) developed by the K. Kasturirangan-led steering committee as a part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.