New Delhi :In a landmark decision that marks a shift toward holistic education, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced that art, theatre, music, and drama will become regular academic subjects starting from Class 8, beginning in the 2025–2026 academic session.
As part of this curriculum reform, Art will be made a compulsory subject in Class 8, meaning all students must study and pass it to advance to the next grade, regardless of prior exposure or interest. This initiative aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, both of which emphasize experiential and creative learning.
To support the rollout, NCERT has introduced a new art textbook titled ‘Kriti’, which will serve as the primary learning resource for visual and performing arts, including theatre, music, and drama. The book is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of creative expression in a structured and engaging manner.
- New Language Textbooks Also Introduced
Alongside 'Kriti', NCERT has also launched new textbooks for English and Hindi for Class 8—‘Poorvi’ (English) and ‘Malhar’ (Hindi)—reflecting updated content in line with the NCF-SE 2023. For Class 5 students, two new books—‘Santoor’ (English) and ‘Veena’ (Hindi)—have also been released to enhance early language development.
- A Transformative Shift in Education
This move is a key component of the NEP 2020’s vision to bridge the gap between academic subjects and the arts, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. By introducing creative disciplines as core subjects, the policy aims to develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a deeper connection to cultural heritage among students.
Educational experts have lauded the decision, noting that equal emphasis on intellectual and creative pursuits will better prepare students for a future that values innovation, collaboration, and adaptability.
With this step, NCERT reaffirms its commitment to creating an education system that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures imagination, empathy, and holistic development.
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