Understanding NCERT’s Rationalisation of Political Science Textbooks and its Implications for the Indian Knowledge System

Abstract

The rationalisation of NCERT school textbooks has recently become a subject of considerable academic and public discussion, particularly following the revisions implemented in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Rationalisation involves making logical and justified modifications to curriculum content, including the removal, revision, or restructuring of existing material. NCERT undertook this process between December 2021 and June 2022 with the stated objective of reducing curriculum load, addressing content overlap, adjusting difficulty levels, and enhancing the relevance of textbooks in the present educational context. These changes also correspond with the broader educational vision of NEP 2020, which emphasises experiential learning, critical thinking, and the incorporation of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) (Ministry of Education, 2020). The rationalisation of political science textbooks, however, has generated varied responses among educators, scholars, and academic stakeholders. While NCERT has presented these revisions as pedagogically necessary, several experts and teachers have expressed concerns regarding their academic, pedagogical, and ideological implications. The removal and modification of specific content have raised important questions about knowledge representation, inclusivity, and the role of curriculum in shaping students’ understanding of political and social realities. This study examines the rationalisation of NCERT political science textbooks through a qualitative document analysis of textbook revisions, official reports, and relevant academic and media sources. It also explores the perspectives of university professors and school teachers regarding these curricular changes. The paper aims to analyse the rationale, stakeholder responses, and broader educational implications of textbook rationalisation within the framework of the Indian Knowledge System.