The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently unveiled the formation of two high-profile committees tasked with drafting new Economics and English textbooks for Classes 11 and 12. This move, part of a broader curricular overhaul, brings together a diverse array of academics, policymakers, and public figures to reshape the educational content for India’s senior secondary students.
Structural Changes to Curricular Development
The mandate for these committees is extensive, extending beyond traditional subject matter to include cross-cutting themes identified by NCERT’s Curriculum Area Groups. These include equity and inclusion, value-based education, the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), environmental awareness, and, most notably, the incorporation of “Indian knowledge systems.”
The Economics committee, headed by Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PM-EAC), also includes fellow PM-EAC member Shamika Ravi. Their involvement suggests a policy-driven approach to economic education, aiming to align academic material with contemporary national economic discourse. The panel has been set a deadline of February 28, 2027, to finalize its drafts.
New Perspectives in English Literature
For the English Language and Literature committee, NCERT has appointed a 17-member panel chaired by N. Nagaraju, Vice-Chancellor of the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad. Among the members is Saket Bahuguna, an Assistant Professor at the Central Institute of Hindi and a former national media convenor for the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Mr. Bahuguna’s inclusion has sparked significant debate due to his background in student activism. Known for his prominent role in university politics in New Delhi—particularly during the 2016 JNU protests—his appointment highlights the intersection of political ideology and academic curriculum design. The committee also features Trivikrama Kumari Jamwal, an educator with ties to the erstwhile Mewar royal family, adding a historical and cultural dimension to the panel’s composition. The committee is tasked with a phased delivery schedule: Class 11 textbooks are expected by November 30, 2026, followed by Class 12 materials by September 30, 2027.
The Policy Context: Ideology and Pedagogy
This initiative is the latest in a series of institutional adjustments by NCERT. Observers note that this follows the earlier formation of a Political Science textbook committee, which also drew attention for the inclusion of members with direct or indirect links to the RSS.
The directive issued by NCERT emphasizes that these textbooks must reflect “cultural rootedness.” This policy push aligns with the government’s broader vision for the National Education Policy (NEP), which seeks to decolonize curricula and center indigenous knowledge systems. However, the appointment of individuals with strong political backgrounds to textbook panels has prompted concerns among academics and observers regarding the potential for ideological policing in the classroom. Critics often argue that pedagogical materials should remain neutral to foster critical thinking, while proponents argue that the shift is necessary to ensure students engage with a curriculum that reflects Indian values and historical perspectives.
Impact on Students and Examinations
For students currently progressing toward their board examinations, these changes signal a shift in the standard testing material. As the drafts undergo a rigorous review process by NCERT, the eventual textbooks will dictate the core content for millions of students. The emphasis on “age-appropriate pedagogy” and “assessment” indicates that while the thematic content may be undergoing a conservative shift, the testing mechanisms are also being re-evaluated to measure these new educational priorities.
As these panels begin their work, the educational community remains focused on how these complex ideological and academic currents will translate into the classroom experience. Whether these changes lead to a more balanced curriculum or further polarization remains the subject of ongoing national discourse.
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