The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently introduced several new modules aimed at enriching and expanding the learning experience of school students across India. These modules are designed to make education more relevant, engaging, and aligned with current national priorities. Here’s everything you need to know – what the modules cover, which classes they target, how they will be delivered, and why this move is important.
What’s New: The NCERT Modules
What’s New: The NCERT ModulesNCERT has unveiled multiple modules on contemporary themes and value-based learning. Among them:
Seven Thematic Modules for Classes 1-12
NCERT has launched seven modules that cover topics like digital skills, cleanliness, mental health, democracy, cultural heritage, environment, and sports.
These are activity-based, using stories, case studies, quizzes, and interactive content to help students learn in a more hands-on way.Special Module: India’s Space Journey
Titled “India: A Rising Space Power”, this module traces India’s journey from early days (INCOSPAR, first satellite launches) to recent milestones like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and the involvement of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla in space missions.
There are separate versions for middle school and secondary school students. The material includes infographics, timelines, and visual content to help contextualise the scientific, historical, and technological components.Operation Sindoor Modules for Classes 3-12
NCERT has launched two supplementary modules under the banner Operation Sindoor. These focus on courage, national pride, technological achievements, and India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The modules aim to provide historical, geopolitical, and moral insights.
For younger students (Classes 3-8), the module is titled “Operation Sindoor — A Saga of Valour” with emphasis on empathy and human stories. For older classes (9-12), “Operation Sindoor — A Mission of Honour and Bravery” goes deeper into strategy, defence, and tech.Free Online Courses for Classes 11 & 12 on SWAYAM
NCERT has also rolled out free, structured online courses for senior secondary students via the SWAYAM platform to help with board exam preparation. These include chapter-wise modules, video lectures, self-paced assessments, and certificates on completion.
Who Are These Modules For?
Who Are These Modules For?The modules cover students from Class 1 up to Class 12, with content adapted for different maturity and curriculum levels.
Young learners (foundational and preparatory stages) get simpler, story-based and visually rich content. Older students (middle and secondary) get modules with deeper analysis, case studies, and historical/scientific context.
When & How Students Can Access Them
When & How Students Can Access ThemThe SWAYAM courses opened for enrolment from 22 September 2025 and will run for about 24 weeks. To receive a certificate, students need to score at least 60% in the final assessment.
The modules like India’s Space Journey, Operation Sindoor, and the thematic modules are available as supplementary learning material, often digitally via the NCERT website or through school programmes.
Themes & Topics Covered
Themes & Topics CoveredHere are some of the key themes these modules explore and why they matter:
| Theme | What It Teaches / Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Digital Skills & Government Digital Platforms | How to use tools like DigiLocker, UPI, Ayushman Bharat, UMANG, etc. Helps in understanding digital services and e-governance. |
| Mental Health & Helplines | Emphasis on emotional wellbeing, access to helpline services like Tele MANAS, recognizing mental health issues. |
| Democracy & Governance | India’s electoral traditions, welfare state model, elections, democratic history. |
| Cleanliness & Public Health | Cleanliness modules use characters, role-plays to build awareness among young learners. |
| Sporting Success & Cultural Heritage | Stories of India’s sporting achievements (like Asian Games), heritage monuments, performing arts. |
| India’s Space Programme | From Aryabhata, INCOSPAR to Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan future missions. This gives students scientific, historical, and aspirational perspectives. |
| Operation Sindoor / National Security Awareness | Patriotism, defence strategies, national unity, understanding current affairs in terms of security. |
Why These Modules Are Significant
Why These Modules Are SignificantRelevance to Current Events: By including recent missions, such as India’s ISS mission, terror attacks, and national projects, students get to connect classroom learning with real-life events.
Value-Based Education: Courage, empathy, ethics, and national pride are central to many modules. Enhances holistic growth beyond just academics.
Digital & Public Health Awareness: Skills around digital tools, mental health, cleanliness, public safety are increasingly essential.
Inclusivity & Access: Modules are available online/digital, with content designed for different class levels, helping students across urban and rural areas.
Better Board Exam Prep: The SWAYAM online courses and structured modules can help students strengthen their fundamentals, especially useful for board exams.
Things to Note / Areas of Concern
Things to Note / Areas of ConcernElective vs Mandatory: Some modules are described as “supplementary” or “elective,” meaning not all schools may adopt them immediately or uniformly.
Implementation Capacity: The success of these modules depends on teacher training, digital infrastructure in schools, and availability of printed/online materials.
Pedagogical Balance: With so many contemporary modules, schools will need to ensure academic curriculum time isn’t overly crowded.
How Students & Parents Can Make the Most of These Modules
How Students & Parents Can Make the Most of These ModulesExplore SWAYAM Courses: Enroll early, engage with videos, and complete assessments to get the certificate.
Use Modules as Additional Learning: Incorporate the thematic modules like space, health, democracy alongside textbooks to build broader understanding.
Interactive Learning: Many modules offer quizzes, stories, case studies. Students should engage actively rather than passively reading.
Discuss & Reflect: Especially for modules on national events, values, mental health — discuss with peers, mentors, family to deepen understanding.
Teacher Involvement: Schools should integrate these modules into weekly schedules, not as afterthoughts but as part of regular learning.
Conclusion
ConclusionNCERT’s launch of new modules in 2025 represents a thoughtful addition to India’s school education framework. By combining national themes, scientific journeys, values education, and skills for the modern world, NCERT is aiming to make learning more contextual, values-oriented, and responsive to current times.
For students, these modules are an opportunity to go beyond textbooks, broaden perspectives, and connect what they learn with what’s happening around them. For parents and educators, supporting these modules through discussion and active engagement can help turn them into meaningful learning experiences.
