About Us
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, established to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programs for qualitative improvement in school education.
NCERT plays a central role in curriculum development, educational research, teacher training, and innovation. It is the organization responsible for developing NCERT textbooks, which are followed by CBSE and several state boards across India.
With a mission to promote national integration and nurture universal values, NCERT strives to make education more inclusive, relevant, and future-oriented, enabling learners to grow as informed, skilled, and responsible citizens.
History
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) was established on September 1, 1961, by the Government of India. Its creation marked a major step toward creating a unified framework for educational research and development in post-independence India.
Before NCERT, various regional and central organizations worked independently on curriculum design, teacher training, and research. The establishment of NCERT brought these efforts under one umbrella, promoting consistency and coordination across the country.
The founding vision of NCERT was inspired by the Education Commission (1964–66), which emphasized modernization, scientific temper, and value-based education.
Key Historical Milestones:
1961: NCERT established with its headquarters in New Delhi.
1963–1966: Launch of regional institutes for teacher education.
1970s: Introduction of national curriculum frameworks.
1986: Played a major role in implementing the National Policy on Education (NPE 1986).
2005: Release of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF 2005), a major reform document.
2020–Present: Contributing to the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and developing NCF 2023 for modern, competency-based education.
Highlights and Major Functions
NCERT’s activities encompass almost every aspect of school education, from curriculum and textbooks to research, teacher training, and international collaboration.
|
Curriculum Development |
Designs and updates the National Curriculum Framework and textbooks for schools across India. |
|
Textbook Publication |
Produces NCERT textbooks, workbooks, and digital learning materials. |
|
Educational Research |
Conducts studies on pedagogy, learning outcomes, and innovations in teaching. |
|
Teacher Education |
Provides pre-service and in-service training through Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs). |
|
Educational Technology |
Develops e-content, digital platforms, and educational TV/radio programs. |
|
Assessment and Evaluation |
Conducts the National Achievement Survey (NAS) and related educational assessments. |
|
Inclusive Education |
Promotes education for children with special needs and marginalized groups. |
|
International Collaboration |
Works with UNESCO, UNICEF, and other global agencies on education initiatives. |
|
Policy Advisory Role |
Advises the Government on school education reforms and curriculum alignment. |
Organizational Structure
NCERT operates as an apex national organization with a structured network of institutes and departments to ensure educational reach across India.
NCERT Headquarters (New Delhi)
Policy planning, curriculum design, and national-level coordination.
Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs)
Located in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, and Shillong — focus on teacher education.
Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal
Develops vocational and skill-based education programs.
Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), New Delhi
Develops digital education, e-content, and educational media.
Departments and Divisions
Cover areas like psychology, evaluation, curriculum studies, and elementary education.
Courses and Programs Offered
Through its Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) and other units, NCERT offers academic and professional programs to strengthen teacher education and curriculum research.
Pre-Service Teacher Education
B.Sc. B. Ed, B.A. B. Ed, M.Sc. Ed
Postgraduate Teacher Education
M.Ed, M. Phil (Education)
Doctoral Programs
Ph.D. (Education)
Diploma & Certificate Courses
Guidance & Counseling, Educational Technology
In-Service Teacher Training
Short-term workshops and professional programs
Vocational Education
Courses via PSSCIVE
Online Courses
MOOCs, e-Content via SWAYAM & DIKSHA platforms
Importance of NCERT in the Education Sector
NCERT is the backbone of school education in India, influencing how millions of children learn every day.
Key Contributions:
Curriculum Standardization: Creates a unified national framework ensuring educational consistency.
Textbook Development: Produces high-quality, affordable, and inclusive textbooks.
Teacher Empowerment: Trains teachers to adopt innovative, student-centered teaching methods.
Research and Innovation: Conducts educational research that informs policy and practice.
Digital Education: Leads digital initiatives such as ePathshala, DIKSHA, and PM eVIDYA.
National Assessments: Monitors learning outcomes to improve quality through the National Achievement Survey.
Policy Leadership: Serves as the primary technical arm for implementing NEP 2020.
Inclusivity: Promotes equity and access for learners with disabilities and disadvantaged groups.
Importance for Teachers, Students, and Institutions
For Teachers:
Offers professional training and continuous development opportunities.
Provides teaching aids, lesson plans, and multimedia learning materials.
Encourages participation in educational innovation and action research.
For Students:
Supplies NCERT textbooks and learning materials used nationwide.
Provides access to interactive digital content through ePathshala and DIKSHA.
Ensures holistic education focusing on values, creativity, and critical thinking.
For Educational Institutions:
Sets standards for curriculum design and evaluation.
Guides schools in aligning with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
Provides consultation, training, and research collaborations with universities and boards.
Eligibility and Structure for Participation or Collaboration
While NCERT is not an open-enrollment university, it offers academic programs and collaborations with institutions and individuals through its RIEs, CIET, and other units.
Students (for RIE Courses)
Based on entrance exams (CEE – Common Entrance Examination).
Teachers
Eligible for training and workshops through official nominations or registration.
Institutions
Can collaborate for curriculum research, teacher training, or material development.
Government Bodies
Partner with NCERT for policy implementation, educational surveys, and NCF updates.
FAQ’s
Ques. What is NCERT?
Ans. NCERT stands for National Council of Educational Research and Training, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education.
Ques. When was NCERT established?
Ans. NCERT was established on September 1, 1961.
Ques. Where is NCERT headquartered?
Ans. In New Delhi, India.
Ques. Who heads NCERT?
Ans. The Director of NCERT is appointed by the Ministry of Education.
Ques. What is NCERT’s main function?
Ans. To develop curriculum, textbooks, educational research, and teacher training programs.
Ques. Are NCERT textbooks mandatory for schools?
Ans. They are recommended by CBSE and followed by many State Boards.
Ques. What is the difference between NCERT and CBSE?
Ans. NCERT designs the curriculum and textbooks; CBSE conducts examinations based on that curriculum.
Ques. Does NCERT conduct any exams?
Ans. Yes, NCERT organizes entrance exams for RIE courses and educational surveys like NAS.
Ques. Can students apply directly to NCERT programs?
Ans. Yes, for courses offered through RIEs and CIET via official admission processes.
Ques. Are NCERT textbooks used internationally?
Ans. Yes, many Indian schools abroad follow NCERT textbooks.
Ques. What are NCERT’s online learning platforms?
Ans. DIKSHA, ePathshala, and SWAYAM host NCERT’s e-content.
Ques. How does NCERT support NEP 2020?
Ans. By developing new curriculum frameworks (NCF 2023) and competency-based learning models.
Ques. Does NCERT offer teacher training?
Ans. Yes, through workshops, diploma programs, and RIEs across India.
Ques. What is CIET under NCERT?
Ans. Central Institute of Educational Technology — responsible for digital learning resources.
Ques. Does NCERT provide scholarships?
Ans. It conducts the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) for meritorious students.
Ques. Is NCERT involved in vocational education?
Ans. Yes, through PSSCIVE, Bhopal.
Ques. Can schools collaborate with NCERT?
Ans. Yes, for curriculum research, training, and pilot projects.
Ques. Does NCERT develop policies or implement them?
Ans. NCERT advises on policies and provides academic and technical support for implementation.
Ques. What is the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)?
Ans. It is a guiding document prepared by NCERT that defines curriculum standards for all Indian schools.
Ques. What is NCERT’s vision for the future?
Ans. To make Indian education more learner-centered, digitally empowered, and globally competitive under the vision of NEP 2020.
Conclusion
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been the cornerstone of India’s school education for over six decades. Through research, innovation, and collaboration, it continues to shape the minds and futures of millions of learners.
As India embraces the National Education Policy 2020, NCERT’s role becomes even more vital — ensuring that education remains inclusive, holistic, and future-ready, nurturing generations of thinkers, innovators, and responsible citizens.