More than 900 mathematicians, researchers, teachers and graduate students across India have signed a petition demanding the withdrawal of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft Learning Outcomes Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for undergraduate mathematics, due to be implemented in 2025.

The petition describes the draft as “riddled with grave defects” and warns that its adoption would jeopardise the academic and professional futures of generations of students. It further cautions that sciences, engineering, technology and economics — all heavily dependent on mathematics — would also be adversely affected.

Key concerns

Experts argue that essential subjects such as real analysis, linear algebra and algebra are either compressed or introduced too late, undermining coherent progression. Meanwhile, outdated courses such as Analytical Geometry and Mechanics, viewed as remnants of the colonial system, occupy space that could be devoted to modern, application-driven topics.

Applied mathematics is notably underrepresented: programming and numerical methods are absent, statistics is confined to a single paper, and there is no meaningful engagement with machine learning or artificial intelligence. Electives, such as Mathematics in Music and Mathematics for Machine Learning, are also criticised for being poorly structured, with prerequisites not covered in the core curriculum.

Several modules — including Mathematics in Meditation — are considered irrelevant, while so-called “value-added” courses reportedly recycle high-school content rather than providing employable skills. Referencing errors, including citations of non-existent books, have further raised doubts about the drafting process.

Expert criticism

Mukund Madhav Mishra, associate professor at Hans Raj College, said the syllabus appeared to promote an agenda around ancient mathematical knowledge rather than meeting modern requirements. He dismissed the inclusion of Vedic mathematics as “an illusion” with no utility at the university level.

Professor Amber Habib of Shiv Nadar University similarly condemned the draft for “wasting space on outdated material, compressing core subjects and excluding programming and statistics”. He described the electives as repetitive and superficial, arguing that the document was “shoddy, with non-existent references and mismatched prerequisites”.

The petitioners have called on the UGC to scrap the draft entirely and appoint a new panel of expert mathematicians and undergraduate teachers to develop a robust, contemporary curriculum.

Inputs from India Today

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