CBSE advocates for diverse curricula; opposes PIL for uniform syllabus in schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has informed the Delhi High Court that having a diversity of curricula and resources, alongside a “core element,” is preferable. They argue that a uniform Board or syllabus across the country doesn’t consider the local culture, context, and language.

In a counter affidavit submitted in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhayay, who is advocating for a common syllabus and curriculum in all schools, the CBSE requested the dismissal of the petition. They emphasised the existence of a national framework that allows for flexibility in prioritising local resources and cultural values, aiming to enable students to better connect with the curriculum and education.

The CBSE clarified that education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, giving individual state governments the authority to formulate syllabi, curriculum, and conduct exams for their respective schools.

According to the CBSE, a uniform Board/syllabus across India does not take into account the local context, culture and language. There is a national framework with flexibility for the emphasis on local resources, culture and ethos.

The response further detailed that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in line with the National Policy on Education (NEP) 2020, develops a national curriculum framework, which provides the guidelines and direction for syllabi and textbooks across all school stages.

State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) and State Education Boards may either adopt or adapt the NCERT’s model syllabi and textbooks or create their own based on this framework.