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CBSE Mandates Three-Language Formula for Class 9 Students from 2026

/ Education Community

In a significant policy shift aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the three-language formula will become compulsory for Class 9 students starting July 1, 2026. Under the revised framework, students must study three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages. The move comes just a month after CBSE introduced its updated school curriculum for the 2026-27 academic session, where the third language requirement had initially been made mandatory only for students entering Class 6. However, the Board has now accelerated the implementation process by extending the rule to the secondary level immediately. According to the latest CBSE circular, students opting for a foreign language can choose it only if their other two languages are Indian languages. Alternatively, foreign languages may be studied as a fourth optional language. In schools where English is the medium of instruction, English will count as the non-Indian language, effectively limiting the possibility of another foreign language within the mandatory three-language structure. CBSE stated that the decision was taken to align its curriculum with the newly released NCERT syllabus for Class 9. As part of a transitional arrangement, students entering Class 9 in 2026 will study third-language textbooks designed for the Class 6 level, while Class 10 students in 2027 will use Class 7-level material for the same subject. To reduce academic pressure, the Board clarified that the third language (R3) will not be included in the Class 10 board examinations. Instead, assessments will remain entirely internal and school-based, though students’ performance in the subject will still appear on their CBSE certificates. The Board also assured parents and schools that no student will be prevented from appearing for the Class 10 board exams due to the third language requirement. Addressing concerns over teacher availability, CBSE has permitted schools to utilize teachers from other subjects who possess adequate language proficiency. Schools may also adopt inter-school collaborations, virtual teaching methods, or hire retired educators to support implementation. Institutions have been instructed to update their language offerings on the OASIS portal by June 30. Additionally, special relaxations have been provided for children with special needs, foreign nationals, and CBSE-affiliated schools located abroad, allowing greater flexibility in adopting the policy. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, developed in line with NEP 2020, recommends that students study a third language from Classes 6 to 10 to encourage multilingual learning and strengthen Indian languages. Source: Indian Express

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NCERT Launches ‘Kaveri’ as New Class 9 English Textbook with Focus on Indian Writers

/ Education Community

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a new Class 9 English textbook titled Kaveri, bringing a stronger focus on Indian authors and the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The textbook has been developed in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 (NCF-SE 2023) and will replace the earlier English textbooks Beehive and Moments. Unlike the previous curriculum used between 2006–07 and 2025–26 — which featured 29 texts with a larger share of international authors — the new book contains 16 carefully selected pieces that give equal space to Indian and global writers. Of the 16 texts included, eight are written by Indian authors. The Indian contributors featured in the anthology include renowned figures such as poet Subramania Bharati, author Sudha Murty, Naga writer Temsula Ao, Assamese novelist Mitra Phukan, and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The book begins with a story from Murty’s 2004 collection How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories. The international section features works by American poet David Roth, English poet Charles Swain, children’s author Bryanna T. Perkins, poet Robert Langley, writer Maya Anthony, and Singapore-based author Irene Chua. The compilation also includes an anonymous poem titled Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations and a feature based on an interview with Paralympic champion Deepa Malik, highlighting her journey and achievements. According to officials, the revision also reduces the number of textbooks for the subject from two to one, while streamlining the syllabus by cutting the total number of texts from 29 to 16. The move aims to make the curriculum more balanced and manageable while ensuring equal representation of Indian and international literary voices. Source: PTI

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CBSE to Begin Recruitment for Teaching and Non-Teaching Roles in KVS and NVS

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that it will soon launch the recruitment process for multiple teaching and non-teaching vacancies across Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). The recruitment will be carried out on a direct basis and is open to eligible Indian citizens. Online applications will open on November 14, 2025, and the last date to apply is December 4, 2025. A detailed notification specifying eligibility criteria, vacancies, and application procedures will be issued shortly by CBSE. Candidates are advised to apply exclusively through the official websites for authentic information: cbse.gov.in kvsangathan.nic.in navodaya.gov.in In a related development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas across 17 states and Union Territories. The initiative aims to provide equitable access to quality education, particularly for children of Central government employees posted in remote, aspirational, Left Wing Extremism-affected, hilly, or northeastern areas. The project, estimated to cost ₹5,862.55 crore over nine years, will include pre-primary sections and is projected to benefit more than 86,000 students, expanding the existing network of 1,288 Kendriya Vidyalayas across India. However, data from the Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy indicates a decline in KV admissions. In response to a question raised by MPs B.K. Parthasarathi (TDP) and Sudha R (Congress), the Ministry reported that the total number of students enrolled dropped from 13,87,763 in 2020–21 to 13,50,518 in 2024–25 — a decrease of 37,245 students, marking a decline of roughly 2.86%. Kendriya Vidyalayas, managed by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) under the Ministry of Education, follow a uniform curriculum designed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and are affiliated with CBSE. Admissions primarily prioritize children of Central government and defence personnel, while others are accommodated based on the availability of seats. Source: Indian Express

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Education Ministry Urges Schools to Adopt UPI for Fee Payments Under Digital Transformation Drive

/ Education Community
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In a major push toward digital governance, the Union Ministry of Education has urged states and educational bodies to integrate the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system for school fee collection. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and simplify the payment process for parents. In an official communication, the Department of School Education and Literacy advised states and affiliated institutions to adopt secure digital payment systems such as UPI, mobile wallets, and internet banking. This reform is part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda in the education sector, ensuring smoother administrative operations and reducing dependency on cash transactions. The directive also extends to national education bodies, including the CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), encouraging them to implement digital platforms for admission and examination fee submissions. According to the ministry, transitioning to digital payments brings multiple benefits—parents can pay from the comfort of their homes, ensuring greater convenience and transparency in transactions. The move is also expected to foster financial literacy among stakeholders and strengthen the culture of digital payments in educational institutions. The Education Ministry emphasized that this step marks a key milestone in aligning school-level administration with India’s vision of a digitally empowered society. Source: PTI

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NCERT Opens Admissions for Diploma in Guidance and Counselling 2026

/ Education Community
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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced the commencement of admissions for its Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling (DCGC) for the 2026 academic session. This specialised programme is aimed at strengthening the skills of teachers, school heads, and educational professionals in providing effective mental health and career guidance to students. The diploma will be offered in a blended learning format, combining distance education with in-person training sessions. Interested applicants can access the online application form and detailed prospectus on the official NCERT website — ncert.nic.in. The deadline for submitting applications is November 5, 2025. Course Structure The year-long course will be conducted in three stages: Phase I (January–June 2026): Six months of distance learning.  Phase II (July–September 2026): Three months of face-to-face training at designated study centres.  Phase III (October–December 2026): A three-month internship in the participant’s home city or workplace. Eligibility Eligible applicants include teachers, teacher educators, school administrators, and untrained guidance personnel. Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Child Development, or Special Education. Preference will be given to individuals with at least one year of relevant experience. The minimum qualifying marks are 50%, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates. Course Fee Central government deputed candidates: ₹19,500 State/UT government deputed candidates: ₹6,000 Private candidates: ₹30,000 Boarding and lodging costs during the contact programme will be borne by participants, though accommodation facilities will be available for outstation candidates. Study Centres and Selection Admissions will be offered at DEPFE, NCERT (New Delhi) and the Regional Institutes of Education located in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, and Shillong, with an intake of 50 candidates per centre. Selection will be based on a multi-stage process, including document screening, an essay test, and a personal interview. Applicants are required to attach self-attested copies of academic qualifications and experience certificates along with their application. Source: Indian Express  

NCERT Opens Admissions for Diploma in Guidance and Counselling 2026 Read More »

NCERT to Handle Equivalence of Class 10 & 12 Certificates Across All Boards

/ Education Community

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will now be responsible for granting equivalence to Class 10 and Class 12 certificates issued by various school education boards across India. This equivalence will be applicable for admissions to higher education institutions as well as recruitment in government jobs, according to an official announcement on Friday. The Department of School Education and Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, has published the notification in the e-Gazette. This move replaces the earlier notification of November 15, 2021, which had entrusted the task to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The responsibility will now be carried out by NCERT through its National Assessment Centre—Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH)—set up under the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to the ministry, this institutional mechanism will ensure that the process of granting equivalence is conducted with academic rigour while upholding the highest educational standards. The system will apply to all school boards established by the central and state governments, statutory bodies, or recognised institutions. Importantly, the equivalence granted by NCERT will be valid nationwide, ensuring inter-board parity and enabling seamless student mobility across school education boards. Source: PTI    

NCERT to Handle Equivalence of Class 10 & 12 Certificates Across All Boards Read More »

NCERT Must Build Competence, Knowledge for Nation-Building: Dharmendra Pradhan

/ Education Community

On the 65th Foundation Day of NCERT, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the council’s crucial role in shaping an empowered and knowledgeable society. He called upon NCERT to adopt global best practices while remaining rooted in India’s cultural and linguistic strengths. “NCERT’s responsibility is to make our people competent and raise knowledge levels. You are the true nation-builders,” Pradhan said, addressing the gathering. He stressed the need for children to gain proficiency in English while also achieving conceptual clarity through their mother tongues. Reflecting on past curriculum reforms, Pradhan referred to the National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF) of 2000 and 2005, noting that changes introduced earlier created confusion. He asserted that NCERT is now setting the framework in the right direction, free from what he termed a “slave mentality” that deprived the nation of self-reliance and pride. He further praised new NCERT modules, such as those on Operation Sindoor and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, also present at the event, credited NCERT textbooks for shaping his early academic foundation but noted their shortcomings. “Those books built my career, yet they missed highlighting India’s scientific heritage and achievements. I had to relearn many things later. Today, I see a transformation, with more focus on our own legacy,” he said. Somanath also stressed the importance of promoting learning in Indian languages, pointing out that reliance on foreign textbooks during higher education limited students’ connection with indigenous knowledge systems. “Rooting education in our own language is essential,” he remarked. Source: Indian Express

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From bicycles to the Moon: NCERT brings India’s space journey into classrooms

/ Education Community

India’s space story — from humble beginnings of carrying rocket parts on bicycles and bullock carts to achieving landmark missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and the upcoming Gaganyaan — has now been woven into NCERT’s new learning modules. The special set of two modules, titled “India: A Rising Space Power”, traces the evolution of the Indian space programme. It begins with the creation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962 under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, which later transformed into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), now counted among the world’s top space agencies. One of the modules highlights how India’s first rocket was so lightweight that its parts were transported using bicycles and bullock carts. Scientists avoided motorised vehicles since their electric and magnetic fields could interfere with delicate instruments, proving that simple means ensured success. The modules also honour India’s astronauts — Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma, who became the first Indian in space in 1984, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who in June 2025 became the first Indian to live aboard the International Space Station. They feature a quote from Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Space may seem distant, but is an integral part of our daily life… India’s space programme is a perfect example of our vision of Scale, Speed and Skill.” Key milestones listed include: Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Discovered water molecules on the Moon. Mangalyaan (2013): Made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars, and the only country to succeed on its maiden attempt. Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Though its lander was lost, the orbiter continues to provide valuable lunar data. Aditya-L1 (2023): India’s first solar observatory at Lagrange Point-1, dedicated to studying the Sun and solar storms. Looking ahead, the modules also highlight the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite, expected to deliver high-resolution global data every 12 days on ecosystems, glaciers, and natural disasters. Source: PTI

From bicycles to the Moon: NCERT brings India’s space journey into classrooms Read More »

CBSE, UNESCO Scale Up Health and Wellness Education to Impact 30,000 Schools Nationwide

/ Education Community
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In a significant step toward integrating holistic health education into India’s school system, CBSE, UNESCO, and NCERT are expanding their collaborative School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP) to 30,000 CBSE-affiliated schools across the country. The initiative, which began under the Ayushman Bharat mission in 2020, aims to positively influence the lives of nearly 15 million students by promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Building a Network of Master Trainers Throughout June and July 2025, over 290 school leaders—comprising principals, teachers, and administrators—from 22 states and five union territories participated in a comprehensive training workshop held in Delhi. These individuals will serve as master trainers, cascading their knowledge and tools to educators across India to deliver health and wellness content effectively. The training sessions emphasized early intervention and the importance of understanding students’ socio-emotional environments. Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, stressed that many student challenges originate outside the classroom. With proper training, teachers can better identify these issues and respond with empathy and support. A Curriculum Rooted in NEP 2020 Values Speaking at the workshop, Anandrao V Patil, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Education, underscored how wellness and inclusive education go hand in hand, echoing the core principles of the National Education Policy 2020. He described educators as catalysts of social change, pivotal in shaping compassionate and resilient individuals. UNESCO’s South Asia Director, Tim Curtis, reinforced the belief that health and education are deeply interconnected. “Every trained teacher and every wellness conversation is a step closer to learner-centered systems,” he said. Multilingual Learning Tools for Lifelong Impact To support the initiative, NCERT and UNESCO have co-developed a 24-hour wellness curriculum, featuring training modules, handbooks, animated videos, and comics. These resources focus on 11 essential wellness themes—including mental health, gender sensitivity, online safety, and reproductive health—and are available in English, Hindi, and nine regional languages to ensure wider accessibility. Since 2022, NCERT has conducted eleven intensive five-day workshops, resulting in 970 trained master trainers. These professionals are now instrumental in guiding teacher development across CBSE’s regional Centres of Excellence. To date, over 40,000 teachers have been trained through more than 750 workshops nationwide. Rather than treating health education as a supplementary activity, SHWP is helping schools embed wellness into the very fabric of everyday learning—redefining education as a means to nurture both the mind and the heart. Source: India Today

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Over 4.7 Lakh Pirated NCERT Books Seized Since 2024, Says Education Ministry

/ Education Community

In a significant crackdown on textbook piracy, the Ministry of Education revealed that over 4.7 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks have been confiscated across India since 2024. This update was shared in a written response by Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, during a Rajya Sabha session on Wednesday. “Reports of NCERT textbook piracy have emerged from various parts of the country. From 2024 to 2025, enforcement teams seized around 4.71 lakh counterfeit books in multiple operations carried out in different states,” said Chaudhary. He emphasized that piracy is largely driven by the profit motives of unauthorized operators. NCERT’s mission, Chaudhary reiterated, is to provide high-quality educational resources at minimal cost to students across India, functioning on a no-profit, no-loss model. Highlighting recent efforts to combat the menace, he informed that in the past year alone, NCERT conducted raids on 29 locations linked to the production and distribution of pirated books. These included premises using unauthorized NCERT watermarked paper and illegal printing setups. Assets and equipment worth over ₹20 crore were seized during these raids. To address the root causes of piracy, several measures have been implemented, including a 20% price cut on textbooks, improved paper and print quality with advanced machinery, faster and timely textbook production, and expanded online availability through e-commerce channels. In a tech-driven approach, NCERT also tested an innovative anti-piracy mechanism—developed and patented by IIT Kanpur—on one million copies of a Class 6 textbook, aiming to deter counterfeit reproduction through secure tracking technology. Source: PTI Image Credit: iStock  

Over 4.7 Lakh Pirated NCERT Books Seized Since 2024, Says Education Ministry Read More »