Education ministry implements annual textbook reviews to keep curriculum current

The Union Ministry of Education has instructed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to establish an annual review process for its textbooks, ensuring necessary updates are made before each academic session begins. This initiative aims to provide students with the most current and relevant educational content.

Previously, while there was no formal mandate for yearly textbook reviews, the NCERT has been consistently revising its materials since 2017. Notably, significant changes were implemented between 2022 and 2023 to align with syllabus adjustments aimed at reducing student pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior officials from the ministry emphasised the importance of annual textbook reviews, asserting that students should receive updated versions at the start of each academic year. They highlighted the necessity of incorporating new information and emerging topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the curriculum promptly.

The implementation of this mandate aligns with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) released in the previous year, an integral part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As per this framework, NCERT has begun revising textbooks, with new editions released for classes 3rd and 6th this year. Further revisions will gradually extend to encompass all classes by the academic session of 2026-27.

The revised textbooks reflect adjustments in content, including updates in History, Political Science, and Sociology materials. Notably, certain references were removed, such as those related to the Babri Masjid, Hindutva politics, the 2002 Gujarat riots, and minority issues. New content was introduced like referencing the abrogation of Article 370 and revising terminology like “Azad Pakistan” to “Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK)”. Additionally, a paragraph defining the political Left was revised to emphasise preferences for state regulation over free competition.

This proactive approach to curriculum development ensures that educational materials remain dynamic and responsive to evolving educational needs and societal changes, benefiting students across all academic levels.