Uttar Pradesh schools to switch to NCERT curriculum from 2018

Schools in Uttar Pradesh (UP) will switch to NCERT curriculum from the next academic session. This move is a part of the UP government’s agenda to improve the ailing education system in the state, with help from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD). 

Going forward, the schools will adapt learning outcomes to NCERT norms, incorporate them in Right to Education Act rules and publicise them with posters in their premises. They will also train teachers in adapting learning outcomes. 

The Ministry recently prepared a blueprint with some other steps to work on the state’s education system. Nearly 5 crore students study in 2.56 lakh schools in the state. 

Education officials from the state on Tuesday shared this information in the general council meeting of NCERT held with the HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, school education secretary Anil Swaroop, NCERT chairman Hrushikesh Senapaty and education officials from different states. 

“Many states have shown interest in switching over to NCERT books, UP specially, as they are on the route to transforming the state of education. The officials told us that they are going to switch over to NCERT completely from next session,” a senior official in the Ministry said.

However, with so many states making an attempt to switch to the NCERT curriculum, the council will have to make extra arrangements to make sure that they reach everywhere on time. Non-availability of books in remote parts has been a big issue which states have been bringing up time to time.  

“We are going to have a meeting again on July 5 to discuss how we can ensure a steady supply of books to all states. We are creating an online portal from which books can be bought. Printing of books will be done one year in advance,” the official added.

In order to ensure a steady supply of books, NCERT has already started work on next year’s supply from now. 

The central government has been pushing for usage of NCERT curriculum in all schools including private and government. Though it has not been made mandatory but schools are being encouraged to use the curriculum.