In a move to reduce the burden on students, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has faced criticism for removing significant chapters from the Class 10 curriculum. The latest revisions have eliminated chapters on the periodic table, democracy, environmental sustainability, sources of energy, challenges to democracy, and political parties. These exclusions have sparked concerns among educators and scientists, who believe that such knowledge is essential for a comprehensive education.
The NCERT justifies these changes by stating the need to alleviate the strain on students, particularly in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The organization points out the difficulty level, overlapping content, and perceived irrelevance in the present context as reasons for dropping these chapters from the curriculum.
However, critics argue that these exclusions are detrimental to students’ understanding of critical scientific and societal concepts. The periodic table, often regarded as one of the greatest intellectual achievements of chemists, explains how elements combine and interact to form substances with diverse properties. Its removal from the Class 10 science textbook raises concerns about the future understanding of chemistry among students who do not choose the subject for their Class 11 and 12 education.
Similarly, the omission of chapters on democracy and political processes raises eyebrows, as it limits students’ exposure to fundamental principles of governance and civic engagement. The study of democracy and its challenges plays a crucial role in fostering an informed and participatory citizenry.
Earlier this year, the removal of the theory of evolution from the Class 10 science curriculum also drew widespread criticism. Over 1,800 scientists and educators expressed their concerns through an open letter, highlighting the importance of teaching evolution as a fundamental scientific concept.
While the NCERT maintains that students can still explore these subjects in higher grades if they choose the relevant subjects, critics argue that this approach may exclude a significant portion of students who may not pursue specialized subjects in the future.
Jonathan Osborne, a science-education researcher at Stanford University, emphasizes the significance of the periodic table as an intellectual achievement that underpins our understanding of the natural world. Its exclusion from the Class 10 curriculum may hinder students’ scientific knowledge and curiosity.
The removal of these chapters from the NCERT textbooks has reignited debates on the balance between reducing educational burdens and ensuring a well-rounded education for students. It is essential for educational authorities and policymakers to engage in a comprehensive dialogue to address these concerns and prioritize the holistic development of students.
As the issue continues to draw attention and debate, the long-term implications of these revisions on India’s education system and the preparedness of its students remain uncertain.
