The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has come under political scrutiny after releasing its new integrated Class 9 Social Science textbook under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The revised book introduces a dedicated chapter on the 1975–77 Emergency while removing the Preamble from the opening pages and omitting references to the terms “secular” and “secularism” from the text.
However NCERT clarified later that preamble has not been entirely removed.
It also revises explanations of the Constitution and the Election Commission and combines History, Geography, Political Science and Economics into a single textbook. While the NCERT says the changes are part of a broader curriculum overhaul aimed at reducing content load and encouraging interdisciplinary learning, Opposition leaders and education experts have questioned whether the revisions alter the constitutional and historical understanding of students.
Curriculum Revamp Draws Mixed Responses
The new textbook, titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, marks the first Class 9 Social Science book prepared under the NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023. One chapter, The Resurgence of Democracy, examines the Emergency, describing it as a period when democracy was tested and fundamental rights were curtailed.
At the same time, the Preamble no longer appears at the beginning of the book, unlike previous editions, and explicit discussions on “secularism” have been removed, although constitutional values are referred to elsewhere. NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani defended the changes, saying the Preamble and secularism will continue to be taught in higher classes and that the integrated structure is intended to make learning more connected rather than fragmented.
However, Opposition parties, including the Congress, accused the council of selectively reshaping history and weakening constitutional values in school education.
Part of a Larger Education Reform
The textbook revision is part of the phased implementation of the NEP 2020, which seeks to redesign school education through competency-based and interdisciplinary learning.
Over the past two years, NCERT has revised several textbooks, removing or restructuring sections on topics ranging from the Mughal era to the Gujarat riots, the periodic table and evolution, often citing syllabus rationalisation and curriculum redesign.
The latest revisions have reignited discussions on the balance between curriculum reform and historical representation, with educationists arguing that textbook changes should reflect academic rigour while ensuring students receive a balanced understanding of India’s constitutional framework and democratic journey.
Other Key Changes
Beyond the debate over the omission of the Preamble and references to “secular” and “secularism”, the revised NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook introduces several structural and content-related changes under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023. For the first time, the four traditionally separate subjects—History, Geography, Political Science and Economics—have been merged into a single integrated textbook titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, with the aim of promoting interdisciplinary learning.
The book also reorganises constitutional topics, placing greater emphasis on the Constitution as a living document while introducing concepts in a different sequence than previous editions. Explanations relating to the Election Commission have been revised, with less emphasis on its institutional autonomy and expanded focus on the electoral process and citizen participation. Several chapters feature new case studies, project-based activities and inquiry-driven exercises intended to encourage critical thinking rather than rote learning. The textbook also incorporates Indian Knowledge Systems through examples from traditional science, architecture, philosophy and local governance, reflecting the NEP’s emphasis on indigenous knowledge.
Maps, illustrations and timelines have been redesigned, while chapters now include more real-life examples, discussion prompts and experiential learning activities. Environmental sustainability, disaster management, digital citizenship and responsible use of technology have also received greater attention across chapters. The history section adopts a broader civilisational approach, highlighting India’s cultural continuity and contributions across different periods, alongside chapters on democracy, governance and social change.
According to NCERT, the revisions are intended to reduce curriculum overload, make learning more engaging and align school education with competency-based assessment. Critics, however, argue that alongside pedagogical improvements, some omissions and changes in emphasis warrant wider academic discussion to ensure students receive a comprehensive and balanced understanding of India’s history, Constitution and democratic institutions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
School textbooks shape how young citizens understand democracy, diversity and the values that hold a nation together. While curriculum updates are a natural part of educational reform, transparency, academic independence and inclusive consultation are equally important to build public trust. Presenting history and constitutional principles in a balanced, evidence-based manner can encourage critical thinking rather than deepen political divisions.
As debates over education continue, the focus should remain on equipping students with the knowledge to engage thoughtfully with India’s democratic institutions and diverse society. How can school curricula evolve with changing times while preserving a balanced understanding of India’s constitutional values and history?
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