Table of Contents
NCERT Full Form: The National Council of Educational Research and Training, or NCERT, is an autonomous body. It works under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NCERT was established on 27 July 1961. It started functioning on 1 September 1961. Its head office is located at Sri Aurobindo Marg in New Delhi.
Full Form of NCERT
The full form of NCERT is National Council of Educational Research and Training. NCERT was formed by merging seven existing organizations. These included the Central Institute of Education and the Central Bureau of Textbook Research.
Others were the Directorate of Extension Programmes for Secondary Education, National Institute of Basic Education, and National Fundamental Education Centre. The National Institute of Audio-Visual Education and the Central Bureau of Educational and Vocational Guidance were also merged.
Must Check – List of All Full Form
NCERT Objective
NCERT works to create a stable and united system of education in India. It works to promote education that respects India’s diversity. It also supports cultural inclusiveness. It tries to make learning relevant to Indian society and its needs.
NCERT aims to design policies that help students learn better. It creates and updates school curriculums. It prepares textbooks and other learning materials. It also offers teacher training programs.
NCERT Logo and Symbolism
The NCERT logo was created in 1961 by Manubhai Chhaganlal Gajjar. It is inspired by a relic from the Ashokan period. The relic was found in Maski, Karnataka.
The logo features three swans. They represent the three core functions of NCERT—research and development, training, and extension. The logo also features a Sanskrit motto taken from the Isha Upanishad. It means “life eternal through learning.”
NCERT Director
Dr. Dinesh Prasad Saklani assumed the role of Director of NCERT in 2022.He leads several projects related to curriculum reforms and digital learning. In 2023, a 19-member panel was formed to finalize learning materials for classes 3 to 12. This committee included Sudha Murthy, singer Shankar Mahadevan, and mathematician Manjul Bhargava.
Prof. Prakash Chandra Agarwal is the Joint Director of NCERT. He supports the Director in academic planning. He also helps with research work. He contributes to curriculum development. His role is key in shaping school education.
Shri Aman Sharma is the Secretary of NCERT. He is also the Joint Director (In-charge) of CIET. He looks after administrative duties. He leads digital education programs. His work connects policy and technology in education.
Do Check – IBM Full Form
NCERT’s Regional Centres
NCERT is based in Delhi, but it has regional offices too. These are called Regional Institutes of Education. They are located in: Ajmer (Rajasthan), Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Mysuru, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Shillong (Meghalaya)
These centres focus on regional needs. They conduct teacher training. They also offer degree courses like B.Ed and M.Ed. RIEs also help state governments. They adapt materials to suit local languages and cultures.
NCERT Educational Policies and Frameworks
The Indian education system underwent several changes with NCERT’s help. The first big step came in 1968. It followed the recommendations of the Education Commission (1964–66). It supported the 10+2 school education model.
In 1975, NCERT introduced “The Curriculum for the Ten-Year School.” This focused on research-based content. It tried to connect the curriculum with Indian realities.
In 1988, a revised curriculum was launched. It followed the National Policy on Education of 1986. The new approach promoted child-centered learning. It also emphasized continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE).
The National Curriculum Framework of 2000 aimed to make learning free from stress. It supported a thematic and multicultural approach. Environmental education and integrated teaching were encouraged. The 2005 framework added new directions. It was based on five key ideas:
- Connect knowledge to life outside school
- Move away from rote learning
- Expand curriculum beyond textbooks
- Make exams flexible
- Build caring and responsible citizens
- These ideas helped shape modern Indian education.
- Textbooks and Learning Materials
NCERT Textbooks
NCERT publishes textbooks for school students in India. These books are prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for classes I to XII. However, there are some exceptions for Class 10 and 12 board exam subjects.
Around 19 school boards from 14 states also use NCERT books. Schools or boards that want to adopt them must send a request to NCERT. Once approved, they receive soft copies. These materials are ready for printing. A 5% royalty must be paid, and NCERT must be credited.
NCERT textbooks are printed in color. They are among the cheapest books available in Indian bookstores. In comparison, books by private publishers are often much more expensive.
In 2017, the government decided that only NCERT would publish textbooks for central schools starting in 2018. CBSE’s role was limited to conducting exams. In 2021, NCERT began designing textbooks in Indian Sign Language. These digital books were made for hearing-impaired students from classes 1 to 5.
National Talent Search Scheme (NTSS)
NCERT started the NTSS in 1963. It aimed to find and support talented students. In 1976, the scheme got a new name — National Talent Search Examination (NTSE). It was modified after the 10+2+3 pattern was introduced.
Currently, the NTSE is for Class 10 students. It has two phases. One is the Mental Ability Test. The other is the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Each section carries 100 marks. Students selected in NTSE get scholarships to support their studies.
NCERT Digital and Remote Learning
To boost e-learning, NCERT launched ePathshala in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. ePathshala offers digital textbooks, audio, video, and other resources. Students and teachers can access it on phones, tablets, and computers.
NCERT also introduced online guidance and counseling courses in 2021. The course runs for a year. It trains teachers and counselors to support students better. In another step, NCERT partnered with Microsoft’s global partner, Tech Avant-Garde. They launched the Connected Learning Community (CLC). It helped improve digital skills among teachers.
Do Check – MBPS Full Form
NCERT Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs)
To improve teacher training, NCERT set up five RIEs. These are located in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysore, and Shillong. RIEs were started in 1963. They offer both pre-service and in-service teacher education. They conduct research and extension programs. Their aim is to improve school education through better training and innovation.
NCERT Educational Outreach and Innovation
NCERT runs extension programs across India. It works in rural and backward regions too. These programs help local educators get access to new methods and tools. NCERT also serves as the Secretariat for the National Development Group for Educational Innovations. It hosts workshops for Indian and foreign education workers. It trains people from other countries as well.
Apart from textbooks, NCERT also releases sample question papers. These help students prepare for CBSE and other school exams.
NCERT Role in National Education Policy (NEP)
The New Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 brought new challenges and roles for NCERT. The council is now preparing new curriculum frameworks in line with NEP goals. Former ISRO chief K. Kasturirangan is leading this project. NCERT’s work includes:
- Redesigning school syllabi
- Introducing multilingual education
- Promoting foundational literacy and numeracy
- Shifting focus from content to skills
- Reducing content overload
- These reforms aim to improve learning outcomes.
- International Engagements
NCERT collaborates with international bodies too. It has hosted educators from other countries. It has also helped design education programs for nations in Africa and Asia. India’s model of curriculum development and textbook publishing is respected globally. NCERT’s methods are often shared with other developing countries.
Do Check: USB Full Form
Teacher Training by NCERT
Good teachers are the heart of good education. NCERT trains teachers. It teaches them new methods. Workshops, courses, and training sessions are held. These help teachers improve their skills. NCERT also creates teacher guides and manuals. These help teachers understand the curriculum. They also help them plan better lessons. Through training, NCERT brings uniformity in teaching across the country.
NCERT Research and Innovation
NCERT does deep research in education. It studies how students learn. It finds out what methods work best. It works with universities, experts, and international bodies. The aim is to find new ideas for teaching and learning.
NCERT also studies social issues. It sees how poverty, gender, or language affect education. Then it suggests changes to remove these barriers. Research helps shape better policies. It helps make schools more inclusive.
Must Check – PhD Full Form
NCERT Impact on Indian Education
NCERT’s impact on Indian education is deep. It touches the lives of millions of students. Its textbooks are read by children from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
NCERT has helped standardize school education. It has reduced costs for families. It has supported teachers with training and resources. Through schemes like NTSE, NCERT has encouraged talent from all sections of society. With digital initiatives like ePathshala, it has moved towards inclusive and future-ready education.
NCERT Challenges Ahead
Despite its achievements, NCERT faces many challenges. Political interference remains a concern. Frequent syllabus changes create confusion. Slow textbook revisions delay improvements.
Digital divide is another big issue. Not all students have access to devices or the internet. NCERT needs to work more on inclusive and accessible learning materials. There is also a need for better teacher training. Many teachers are still unaware of new pedagogies. RIEs and other units must address this gap.
NCERT Full Form FAQs
Who uses NCERT books?
Students from CBSE schools use them. Many state boards also follow NCERT books.
What are RIEs under NCERT?
RIEs are Regional Institutes of Education. They help in teacher training and research. They are in Bhopal, Ajmer, Mysuru, Bhubaneswar, & Shillong.
What is NTSE?
It is the National Talent Search Examination. NCERT conducts it for Class 10 students. Selected students get scholarships.
Does NCERT work on digital education?
Yes. It runs ePathshala and other digital projects. It offers books, videos, and tools online.
