The National Council of Educational Research and Training celebrated its 66th Foundation Day on September 1, 2026, marking more than six decades of contribution to school education in India.
On the occasion, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi extended his greetings to the NCERT community and described the organisation as an important institution in India's school education system. He highlighted its contribution to nurturing generations of students and supporting the country's educational development.
NCERT was established by the Government of India in 1961. Since its formation, the organisation has played a significant role in supporting curriculum development, preparing educational materials, conducting research and providing academic guidance for school education.
Over the decades, NCERT has become closely associated with school textbooks and curriculum resources. Its textbooks are widely used by schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education and are also referred to by students and teachers in several other education systems.
One of the key responsibilities of NCERT is the development and implementation of curriculum-related frameworks. These frameworks provide broad academic direction for school education and help establish learning objectives, content structures and pedagogical approaches.
NCERT also contributes to the preparation and publication of textbooks for different school classes. These books are designed according to the prescribed curriculum and are regularly revised to reflect changes in educational priorities.
The organisation's role extends beyond textbooks.
NCERT undertakes educational research and develops teaching and learning resources for teachers and students. It also conducts teacher education and training programmes through its institutions and regional centres.
Teacher training is an important part of improving classroom education. Teachers need access to updated academic resources, teaching methodologies and learning tools to respond to changing educational requirements.
NCERT therefore works with education authorities and institutions on various initiatives designed to strengthen teaching practices.
The organisation also provides academic advice to the central and state governments on matters related to school education. Its research and academic expertise can contribute to discussions on curriculum reform, pedagogy, assessment and educational policy.
NCERT's work has gained additional importance following the implementation of reforms associated with the National Education Policy 2020.
The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 is among the major recent developments in India's school education system. NCERT has been involved in translating the framework into curriculum and learning resources. The official NCERT website currently provides information and resources related to the implementation of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.
The organisation has also expanded its focus on digital education.
Digital learning materials, online resources and technology-supported education have become increasingly important for students and teachers. NCERT has been developing and supporting digital content to complement traditional classroom resources.
The move towards digital learning is particularly significant because students increasingly access educational material through computers, smartphones, television-based platforms and online learning systems.
NCERT's role also includes supporting multilingual education.
India has a diverse linguistic landscape, and the development of educational resources in Indian languages remains an important part of improving access to learning. NCERT has been working on educational content and resources in multiple Indian languages.
The institution's 65th Foundation Day programme in 2025 also highlighted areas such as education in Indian languages, quality digital content, science and mathematics education, new curriculum initiatives and teacher-learning materials.
The 66th Foundation Day therefore provides an opportunity to look at NCERT's contribution over more than six decades.
From curriculum development and textbook publication to educational research and teacher training, the organisation has influenced several aspects of school education.
Its work is directly connected with students because curriculum frameworks and textbooks influence what is taught in classrooms and how learning objectives are structured.
At the same time, NCERT's role is not limited to prescribing academic content. It also supports educational research and develops resources intended to improve classroom practices.
As India's education system continues to evolve, NCERT is expected to play an important role in implementing curriculum reforms and developing learning materials aligned with emerging educational requirements.
The increasing use of technology, the emphasis on experiential learning and the need for multidisciplinary education are among the factors influencing school education today.
The National Education Policy 2020 has also encouraged changes in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, with greater emphasis on holistic learning and competency development.
NCERT's responsibility is therefore expanding alongside these changes.
The organisation has to ensure that educational resources remain academically appropriate while also responding to new approaches to teaching and learning.
For students, NCERT textbooks remain particularly important for understanding foundational concepts across subjects. For teachers, NCERT resources can serve as references for lesson planning and classroom instruction.
For policymakers, the organisation provides academic research and expertise that can support the development of school education programmes.
The 66th Foundation Day also highlights the continuity of NCERT's institutional role.
Although educational methods and technologies have changed significantly since 1961, the fundamental objective of strengthening school education remains central to the organisation's work.
The institution's current priorities include curriculum implementation, textbook development, digital learning resources, educational research and teacher support. The official NCERT website continues to publish textbooks, curriculum resources, guidelines, announcements and other academic materials for schools and educators.
The Foundation Day celebration is therefore more than an anniversary. It provides an opportunity to assess the institution's contribution to education and consider its responsibilities in a changing academic environment.
As India continues to introduce education reforms, NCERT will remain an important institution in translating national curriculum priorities into educational resources and classroom materials.
The 66th Foundation Day marks another milestone in that journey.
With its continuing focus on curriculum development, textbooks, research, teacher education and digital resources, NCERT remains an important part of India's school education ecosystem.
The coming years are expected to bring further changes in curriculum, technology and teaching methods. NCERT's ability to adapt its academic resources while maintaining educational quality will be important as these reforms progress.
For students, teachers, parents and education administrators, the institution's work will continue to influence school education across the country.