NCERT Realigns Syllabus, Textbooks to NEP 2020 Through New Curriculum Frameworks
New Delhi: New NCERT updates indicate that India's school curriculum is undergoing an extensive and accelerated change. The NEP 2020 is being translated into the school curriculum by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) through the two major frameworks, the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. These frameworks articulate what is taught and learned, how it is taught, and how it is evaluated.
The Education Ministry provided recent updates in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on August 10, 2023.
The Curriculum Transformation Is Driven By These Two Frameworks
The NCF-FS 2022 applies to the foundational stage of education, while the NCF-SE 2023 provides the overall framework for school education. They articulate:
- Curricular goals
- Competencies
- Learning outcomes
- Subject-wise syllabi
- Textbooks
- Pedagogy
- Assessment
This makes the reform considerably broader than a textbook revision. NCERT's own website presently indicates the NCF-SE (2023) and NCF-FS (2022), and related resources on the new curriculum. They also indicate new textbooks developed based on the NCF-FS (2022) and NCF-SE (2023), and the NEP (2020).
New Textbooks and Syllabi for Grades 1 to 9
As per the curriculum frameworks, the NCERT introduced the National Syllabus and Teaching-Learning Material Committee (NSTC). The committee consists of 13 Curricular Area Groups and Textbook Development Teams, and NCERT has prepared the new syllabi and textbooks for Grades 1 to 9.
NCERT has also prepared learning material for children of Balvatika 1, 2 and 3 in the form of Jaadui Pitara and e-Jaadui Pitara. NCERT's current publications have specifically mentioned these as new textbooks of NEP 2020, NCF-FS 2022 and NCF-SE 2023.
The Reform Was an Extensive Consultation Process
The development of the curriculum was not restricted to NCERT offices. According to the Education Ministry, more than 13 lakh students and parents participated in a national-level mobile-app survey. More than 1.5 lakh teachers, parents and students as well as educationists participated in a state-level survey.
It also involved more than 1,550 district-level consultations across 32 States and UTs. The inputs were provided by 35 groups of institutions and around 8,000 stakeholders who participated in consultations with universities and civil society. More than 600 position papers covering 25 themes were prepared by state and UT focus groups involving over 4,000 members. NCERT's national focus groups prepared 25 papers with more than 175 members.
Review Process for Textbooks is Multi-Tiered
New curriculum modules are initiated by meticulously analyzing desired learning outcomes and competency frameworks. As per NCERT, drafts of textbooks are routinely assessed for academic soundness, pedagogical implications, inclusivity, age appropriateness, constitutional values, gender sensitivity, and cultural context by various expert panels
This step is required keeping in view the expected transformation in the teaching and learning process that the new curriculum is intended to bring about, as mere change of text within the covers of a book will not suffice.
What NEP 2020 Means for Students
The practical implications will start becoming visible in classrooms. The NCF-SE Implementation Paradigm is focused on providing ample opportunities to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of ideas along with their creative capacity, spiritual, moral and ethical values, and health and wellness. Meanwhile, NCERT has also suggested new subjects, innovative pedagogical methods, attainment of learning goals, diverse types of classroom activities, and innovative restructuring of school timetables.
This will induce a shift in pedagogy toward a more value-based and application-oriented learning.
NCERT Is Still Updating the System
Rather than completing its transition with the release of the frameworks, NCERT continues the transition of the curriculum. NCERT's website publishes the new syllabus for Grade 9, and the other NEP- and NCF-linked resources, and language learning resources. The organization has also released other resources for schools and advisories.
According to NCERT, textbooks can be updated during annual reprinting if relevant feedback from stakeholders is received.
Final Thoughts
NCERT's recent update indicates that the implementation of the NEP 2020 is no longer confined to policy books and has entered the school education system. The NCF-FS 2022 and NCF-SE 2023 inform Changes in syllabus, textbooks, teaching and evaluating strategies, and the new resources for Grades 1 to 9 are part of the transition. The true test of the transition will be the changes in the learning experience of students.
FAQs
1. What do the new NCERT curriculum frameworks mean?
NCERT has launched the NCF-FS 2022 and NCF-SE 2023 for the foundational and school education phases, respectively, under the NEP 2020.
2. Have there been new textbook releases by NCERT since NEP 2020?
Yes, NCERT has announced new textbooks and syllabus for classes 1 to 9.
3. What was the new curriculum framework development process?
Surveys, district consultations, focus group discussions, and consultations with educational institutions and non-government organisations.
4. What does NCF-SE 2023 bring?
It emphasises conceptual understanding, competencies, critical thinking, and creativity, and brings diverse assessment methods and a focus on whole-person education.
5. Where can students get the new NCERT textbooks?
NCERT has published an online catalog of its textbooks and has made available textbooks in digital format on its website.
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