Polity & Governance GS 2 In the news 5 times

NCERT

Role, Mandate, and Curriculum Framework

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education, established in 1961. It develops model textbooks, curricula, and educational materials for school education in India. While state boards are not mandated to follow NCERT curricula, central schools (Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas) and CBSE-affiliated schools follow NCERT textbooks. The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) — of which the latest version, NCF 2023 for School Education, was released under the NEP 2020 — guides NCERT's textbook development.

Key details

NCERT established: 1961; autonomous body under Ministry of Education
National Curriculum Framework 2023 (NCF-SE 2023): released under NEP 2020; guides textbook revision including NCERT materials
NCF for school education identifies five stages: Foundational (3–8 years), Preparatory (8–11), Middle (11–14), Secondary (14–18), and the new 5+3+3+4 structure under NEP 2020
NCERT textbooks are reviewed periodically; the current controversy triggered a broader review of Class 8 social science content
Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE): apex advisory body for education policy; includes Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, education ministers, and experts

In the news

● Tracked since February 26, 2026 · last seen March 11, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

11 Mar '26

NCERT Textbook Controversy: Supreme Court Directs Disassociation of Professors from Public-Funded Curriculum Work

Polity & Governance

10 Mar '26

NCERT Withdraws Class 8 Textbook, Issues Unconditional Apology to Supreme Court Over Judiciary Chapter

Polity & Governance

10 Mar '26

NCERT Issues Unconditional Apology Over Class 8 Textbook Chapter on Judicial Corruption

Polity & Governance

26 Feb '26