New Delhi — Every few years, a familiar debate returns to dining tables, staff rooms and television studios across the country: who decides what India’s children should study? When chapters are removed, added or rewritten, questions about intent and authority follow. At the centre of this discussion stands the National Council of Educational Research and Training, better known as NCERT, the apex body entrusted with developing school curricula and textbooks for millions of students.
But the process of deciding what students learn is far more layered than it appears. It involves academic frameworks, government oversight, expert committees, state boards and schools. Understanding this system requires tracing the journey from policy to textbook and finally to the classroom.
The Role of NCERT
Established in 1961, NCERT functions as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education. Its mandate includes designing model curricula, developing textbooks, conducting educational research and advising central and state governments on school education.
NCERT’s textbooks are followed by schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education and are also widely adopted by many state boards. Over the decades, its books have become the backbone of mainstream school education, particularly in Classes 1 to 12.
However, NCERT does not work in isolation. It operates within a broader national framework that outlines the vision and objectives of school education.
The National Curriculum Framework
The foundation of syllabus design in India lies in the National Curriculum Framework. The framework provides guiding principles on what children should learn, how they should learn and how teachers should assess learning outcomes.
The most recent overhaul follows the National Education Policy 2020, which proposed sweeping changes to the structure and philosophy of school education. In response, NCERT initiated the process of drafting a new National Curriculum Framework aligned with NEP 2020’s emphasis on competency-based learning, flexibility and reduced content load.
The framework is prepared after consultations with educationists, subject experts, teachers, universities and stakeholders across states. Once finalised, it acts as a blueprint for textbook development.
How Textbooks Are Created
Once the curriculum framework is approved, subject specific committees are formed. These committees typically include university professors, experienced school teachers, researchers and occasionally representatives from civil society. They are tasked with drafting textbooks in line with the new guidelines.
The draft textbooks undergo multiple rounds of review. Feedback may be sought from teachers and pilot schools before final publication. After revisions, the books are printed and distributed to schools.
In theory, this layered process ensures academic rigour and diversity of perspectives. In practice, however, textbook revisions often attract scrutiny, especially when historical or political content is altered.
Government Oversight and Authority
While NCERT is autonomous in its functioning, it operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Education. Major policy shifts are usually aligned with the priorities of the government of the day.
This relationship often fuels debate. Critics argue that changes in political leadership can influence curricular priorities. Supporters maintain that elected governments have the mandate to shape education policy, provided the process remains transparent and consultative.
It is important to note that final approval of curriculum frameworks rests with the ministry. Once cleared, NCERT executes the implementation.
What About State Boards?
India’s federal structure means that education is a concurrent subject, shared by the Centre and the states. While NCERT develops model textbooks and curricula, individual states have their own State Councils of Educational Research and Training. These bodies prepare textbooks tailored to regional contexts and languages.
Many state boards draw heavily from NCERT material, especially in senior secondary classes. Others adapt or expand upon it. The diversity of boards means that students across India may study the same themes but with variations in depth or perspective.
The Role of Examination Boards
Boards such as the Central Board of Secondary Education follow NCERT textbooks closely, particularly for core subjects. The syllabus prescribed by the board aligns with NCERT content, and examinations are framed accordingly.
For competitive examinations such as civil services or engineering entrance tests, NCERT books are often recommended as foundational reading. This has further strengthened their influence in shaping academic understanding nationwide.
Why Syllabus Changes Spark Debate
When NCERT revises textbooks, the changes can be wide ranging. Chapters may be reorganised, condensed or removed. Sometimes revisions are justified on academic grounds such as reducing content load or updating data. At other times, the rationale may involve aligning content with new policy directions.
Recent years have witnessed intense public discussion over the removal of certain historical references and political topics from textbooks. Supporters argue that rationalisation is necessary to avoid overburdening students. Critics contend that omissions can narrow students’ exposure to complex realities.
The debate reflects a broader tension in education: balancing academic freedom with national priorities.
Teachers and Classroom Autonomy
While syllabi define the broad scope of learning, teachers retain some autonomy in classroom delivery. They can supplement textbooks with additional readings, discussions and projects. However, high stakes board examinations often limit flexibility, as teachers feel compelled to complete prescribed content within tight timelines.
Under the new education policy, there is a push towards experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches. Whether this vision will translate into classroom practice depends on teacher training, infrastructure and assessment reforms.
The Question of Ideology
Education has always been linked to values and identity. Curriculum choices inevitably reflect certain worldviews. The challenge lies in ensuring that textbooks present multiple perspectives and encourage critical thinking rather than rote memorisation.
Academic experts argue that transparency in the drafting process and inclusion of diverse scholars can strengthen credibility. Public access to draft documents and consultation reports may also build trust.
Students at the Centre
Amid policy discussions and political debates, the ultimate stakeholders are students. The syllabus shapes not only their examination performance but also their understanding of history, science, society and citizenship.
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasises reducing rote learning and promoting conceptual clarity. It envisions a flexible curriculum that allows students to explore interests beyond traditional streams. Implementing this vision requires alignment between NCERT, boards, teachers and higher education institutions.
Looking Ahead
As NCERT works to implement the new curriculum framework, further textbook revisions are expected in phases. The transition will likely span several academic years, with changes introduced class by class.
Observers suggest that open dialogue between policymakers, educators and the public is essential. Education reform is not a one time event but an ongoing process shaped by research, social change and democratic engagement.
Conclusion
So who decides what students learn? The answer lies in a layered system. The Ministry of Education sets broad policy direction. The National Curriculum Framework provides academic guidance. NCERT develops textbooks through expert committees. Examination boards prescribe syllabi aligned with these books. States adapt content to local needs.
The process is complex, often contested and deeply consequential. As India continues to reform its education system, the decisions made in curriculum committees will influence generations of learners. In classrooms across the country, from metropolitan cities to rural towns, the syllabus will continue to shape young minds and, in turn, the future of the nation.
For parents, teachers and students seeking clarity, understanding this structure offers perspective. Curriculum debates may dominate headlines, but at their core lies a fundamental question: what knowledge, values and skills should define the education of India’s children? The answer evolves with time, but the responsibility remains collective.
