The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is set to release new Class 9 social science textbooks in March, with a renewed emphasis on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and the country’s indigenous intellectual and cultural traditions, according to the draft syllabus issued by the council.
The revised curriculum marks a shift from a largely event-driven and chronological approach to one that prioritises conceptual understanding, inquiry-based learning, and culturally rooted perspectives, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
Emphasis On Indian Knowledge Traditions
As per the draft syllabus, the new textbooks will highlight India’s contributions across mathematics, philosophy, science and technology, medicine, architecture, agriculture, literature, and the arts.
Students will study themes such as Indian philosophy, Ayurveda, yoga, horticulture, traditional knowledge of herbs and spices, etymology, and the 22 shrutis of Indian classical music, examining their role in shaping Indian civilisation and historical thought.
Civilisational History And Democratic Traditions
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is set to release new Class 9 social science textbooks in March, with a renewed emphasis on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and the country’s indigenous intellectual and cultural traditions, according to the draft syllabus issued by the council.
The revised curriculum marks a shift from a largely event-driven and chronological approach to one that prioritises conceptual understanding, inquiry-based learning, and culturally rooted perspectives, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
Emphasis On Indian Knowledge Traditions
As per the draft syllabus, the new textbooks will highlight India’s contributions across mathematics, philosophy, science and technology, medicine, architecture, agriculture, literature, and the arts.
Students will study themes such as Indian philosophy, Ayurveda, yoga, horticulture, traditional knowledge of herbs and spices, etymology, and the 22 shrutis of Indian classical music, examining their role in shaping Indian civilisation and historical thought.
Civilisational History And Democratic Traditions
The syllabus places emphasis on the civilisational history of the Indian subcontinent, alongside the emergence of the modern Indian nation. It also refers to early democratic traditions that existed across various regions of ancient India.
According to the draft, students are expected to analyse social, cultural, and political life in India over time, while understanding the philosophical idea of unity in diversity and recognising challenges faced historically and in contemporary society.
Focus On Inequality, Justice And Inclusion
The revised curriculum encourages discussion on inequality, injustice, and discrimination, including those arising from internal social structures and external factors such as colonisation.
It also aims to familiarise students with historical movements towards equity, inclusion, justice, and social harmony, prompting reflection on efforts to address social divisions.
Shift In Teaching And Assessment
NCERT has stated that the new curriculum across subjects will follow a competency-based and experiential learning approach. Draft syllabi for languages, science, mathematics, and social science have been released to aid academic planning for the current session.
The curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment framework will be aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 guidelines.
What Educationists Say
Educators have described the revised syllabus as a significant departure from the earlier content-heavy and event-centric approach.
Dr Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, said the new curriculum adopts a more holistic and integrated framework, linking historical study with India’s knowledge traditions rather than focusing primarily on political timelines.
Prof. Mithuraaj Dhusiya, a member of the Executive Council of Delhi University, said the curriculum should further strengthen discussions on contemporary forms of discrimination based on class, caste, religion, gender, and sexuality, while also emphasising the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.
Educators noted that the revised syllabus reflects a move away from rote learning, though some have pointed out the need for deeper engagement with present-day challenges faced by marginalised communities.
The syllabus places emphasis on the civilisational history of the Indian subcontinent, alongside the emergence of the modern Indian nation. It also refers to early democratic traditions that existed across various regions of ancient India.
According to the draft, students are expected to analyse social, cultural, and political life in India over time, while understanding the philosophical idea of unity in diversity and recognising challenges faced historically and in contemporary society.
Focus On Inequality, Justice And Inclusion
The revised curriculum encourages discussion on inequality, injustice, and discrimination, including those arising from internal social structures and external factors such as colonisation.
It also aims to familiarise students with historical movements towards equity, inclusion, justice, and social harmony, prompting reflection on efforts to address social divisions.
Shift In Teaching And Assessment
NCERT has stated that the new curriculum across subjects will follow a competency-based and experiential learning approach. Draft syllabi for languages, science, mathematics, and social science have been released to aid academic planning for the current session.
The curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment framework will be aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 guidelines.
What Educationists Say
Educators have described the revised syllabus as a significant departure from the earlier content-heavy and event-centric approach.
Dr Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, said the new curriculum adopts a more holistic and integrated framework, linking historical study with India’s knowledge traditions rather than focusing primarily on political timelines.
Prof. Mithuraaj Dhusiya, a member of the Executive Council of Delhi University, said the curriculum should further strengthen discussions on contemporary forms of discrimination based on class, caste, religion, gender, and sexuality, while also emphasising the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.
Educators noted that the revised syllabus reflects a move away from rote learning, though some have pointed out the need for deeper engagement with present-day challenges faced by marginalised communities.
