Starting from the year of 2025 26 onwards, in state board schools in Maharashtra will see the incorporation of NCERT textbooks for math and science subjects into classes 1 to 3 and then to classes 5 to 8 and finally class 11 in a phased manner as part of a move to adhere to the guidelines set by the National Education Policy and cater to the increasing preference, for CBSE educational standards.
The Maharashtra government plans to introduce National Council, for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) approved textbooks for math and science in state board schools starting year as per Sandhya Nairs report.
At a meeting attended by officials and representatives, from schools and teachers the choice was made where Deepak Kesarkar, the education minister for schools highlighted the increasing need for CBSE schools because of their emphasis on getting students ready for exams.
The new curriculum rollout will begin gradually with classes 1st to 3rd. Then 5th, to 8th and finally 11th in the year of 2025, to 2026. In terms of History and Geography subjects content structure will largely remain consistent with some materials sourced from the NCERT recommended syllabus.
The Maharashtra governments choice to implement NCERT textbooks, for mathematics and science will lead English medium schools to incorporate a partial English approach in education since the textbooks for these subjects will only be accessible in English format. Amidst this adjustment Marathi will remain a language, across all schools and class levels until the grade.
The shift, from the existing Balbharati syllabus to NCERT textbooks is scheduled to align with the implementation of the National Education Policy in school education year.The State Curriculum Framework for School Education (SCF SE) is nearing completion well despite some feedback, like concerns raised over a contentious verse from the ancient text Manusmriti included in a preliminary version shared in May.
Upon hearing about the decision made by the authorities regarding this matter Father Flovi D'Souza, from Don Bosco School in Borivali acknowledged the increasing demand for CBSE schools. Highlighted the advantages of using NCERT textbooks for preparation towards competitive examinations.
Teachers affiliated with the state board mentioned that there had been instances in which the government had adjusted the complexity of their textbooks to assist students in achieving scores in their board exams. Veena Donwalkar from Shivaji Vidyalaya stressed the importance of providing training, for teachers in case NCERT textbooks are implemented.
Yet another principal, from a CBSE affiliated school raised doubts about the significance of sticking to NCERT textbooks given the shift towards exams being overseen by the National Testing Agency than CBSE itself. Reflecting back to 2009 discussions regarding the adoption of NCERT materials, in state schools of Andheri region revealed that the books were considered demanding for students deemed less proficient at that time.
CBSE has promoted the adoption of NCERT textbooks, for students in grades 1 to 8.
Recently mandated the use of NCERT materials for classes 9 to 12 starting this year in August. Before this decision was made mandatory by CBSE schools could choose between using NCERT textbooks and those from publishers, for all grades. NCERT textbooks are currently undergoing updates to align with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Comments