The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the apex body responsible for preparing school syllabi and textbooks, has proposed that class IX students study 10 subjects, which is double the number they currently study.

At present, class IX students study two languages, mathematics, science, and social science. However, according to the draft syllabus uploaded on NCERT’s website, students will now study one additional language along with four new subjects — individuals in society, vocational education, arts education, and physical education and well-being.

These subjects will continue in class X, except for “individuals in society,” which will be replaced by environmental education, NCERT said.

The draft syllabus refers to the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 (NCF-SE 2023), which recommended introducing these new subjects. NCERT is currently preparing new textbooks for class IX, expected to be released by the end of March.

The draft also notes that NCF-SE 2023 requires students to learn three languages from classes VI through X. Under the existing three-language formula, students study their mother tongue, English, and another Indian language until class VIII.

A principal of a private school said the draft syllabus could not be implemented directly by schools.

“The syllabus can only be incorporated after the affiliating school board directs the schools to do so. So far, the CBSE has not informed us about it. None of these new subjects is included in the entrance tests for undergraduate admission. It means the students will study it for the sake of passing the tests,” she said on the condition of anonymity.

Another principal argued that the draft syllabus goes against the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, which recommended reducing the academic burden on students.

“Most schools in the northern states will teach Sanskrit as an additional language, burdening the students,” she said.

Ramesh Ghanta, a retired professor at Maulana Azad National Urdu University and former member of the National Council for Teacher Education, welcomed NCERT’s decision to include a wider range of subjects. He said such additions would help students develop skills needed to become responsible citizens.

“The purpose of education is to create responsible citizens. With a fast-changing world, educational inputs and training need to change. Subjects such as vocational education, physical education, art education and environmental education provide necessary life skills for personality development,” Ghanta said.

However, he added that the successful integration of these subjects would depend largely on whether teachers are adequately prepared. Many government schools currently face teacher shortages, and existing teachers are not trained to handle the new subjects.

“The teachers should be provided proper training before the subjects are incorporated,” Ghanta said.

Inputs from Telegraph

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