The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced the formation of a new 20-member panel dedicated to developing updated Political Science textbooks for Classes 11 and 12. This initiative aims to ensure that the textbooks align closely with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. The Class 11 textbook is expected to be completed by November 30, 2026, while the Class 12 version is projected for completion by July 30, 2027.

This reconstitution follows the establishment of an initial panel in June 2025, indicating NCERT’s commitment to expediting the textbook preparation process. The announcement of the new Textbook Development Team (TDT) was made by NCERT Director D.P. Saklani on August 14, 2026. Prof. Sandeep Shastri has been appointed as the leader of the team.

Concerns have been raised regarding delays in releasing revised textbooks following recent curriculum updates. A parliamentary committee highlighted the disconnect between the implementation of curriculum reforms and the availability of updated learning materials for students in Grades 9 to 12. The latest formation of the NCERT team is expected to address these delays and enhance the timely delivery of educational resources.

Diverse Expertise in the New Panel

The newly constituted panel consists of a variety of experts, including academics, school educators, and professionals from universities and legal schools. This diverse assembly includes notable members such as Prof. Vandana Mishra and Prof. Prakash Kandpal from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr Chetan Singhai from Chanakya University, and others from respected institutions. The inclusion of these experts aims to provide a comprehensive perspective to the textbook development process.

The team will benefit from the leadership of Dr Vanthangpui Khobung as Member Coordinator and Dr Subhash Singh as Member Co-Coordinator. Their roles will be crucial in streamlining the collaborative effort to produce effective teaching materials and ensure that diverse academic viewpoints are represented in the final textbooks.

This assembly’s interdisciplinary nature is designed to bridge the gap between higher education and classroom instruction, thereby enriching the educational content provided to students.

Focus on Educational Reforms and Teaching Innovations

The forthcoming textbooks are set to incorporate broader educational changes put forth under NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. The development team will be working with Curricular Area Groups, focusing on Social Sciences, Languages, and innovative teaching methodologies. The textbooks aim to cover a range of significant themes, including Indian Knowledge Systems, environmental education, and value-based learning.

Another goal of the new textbooks is to emphasise equity and inclusion while incorporating age-appropriate teaching methods and the use of information and communication technology (ICT). NCERT has previously merged fundamental academic concepts with discussions about India’s constitutional structure and significant political developments; new textbooks will continue this tradition while integrating contemporary issues in world politics.

It is important to note that the new textbooks will undergo a thorough review process before publication. Draft chapters will be periodically assessed by the Textbook Core Group, in conjunction with members of the National Syllabus and Teaching-Learning Material Committee (NSTC) and the National Curriculum Framework Oversight Committee (NOC). This systematic evaluation is intended to maintain high academic standards and pedagogical relevance.

The reconstitution of the panel also marks a transition in NCERT’s textbook reform efforts, shifting focus from curriculum development to the actual preparation of learning materials. NCERT continues to publish and update resources related to NCF-SE 2023 and other educational reforms through its official website.

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