NCERT Reconstitutes NSTC Committee to 20 Members After Supreme Court Suo Motu Cognisance on Textbook Content

NCERT Reconstitutes Class 11-12 Political Science Textbook Team with Focus on Indian Knowledge Systems and Cultural Rootedness

NCERT has reconstituted the textbook development team for Class 11 and 12 Political Science with a mandate to integrate Indian knowledge systems, cultural rootedness, and inclusion. The move signals a shift in curriculum orientation, with several members having RSS/ABVP links, making it a high-relevance topic for UPSC and other exams focusing on education policy and ideological debates.

NCERT Granted Deemed University Status Under UGC Act 1956; Conditions Include NIRF, NAAC Compliance

The Ministry of Education has confirmed NCERT's deemed university status, expanding its role beyond school education into research and doctoral programmes. This move, approved under UGC Act 1956, comes with conditions mandating compliance with UGC norms, NIRF rankings, and NAAC accreditation, raising concerns about academic autonomy.

NEET-UG Reform: Two-Stage JEE Pattern Under Active Consideration, Govt Tells Supreme Court

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that it is actively considering shifting NEET-UG to a two-stage format on the JEE (Mains & Advanced) pattern. The final decision will await recommendations from the Nandan Nilekani-led High-Powered Task Force on exam reforms. This is crucial for medical aspirants as it could change the entire exam structure and enhance security against paper leaks.

SC Directs Govt on NEET-UG 2027 CBT Mode; Nilekani Task Force Report by Sept-End

The Supreme Court has directed the NTA to expedite the shift to computer-based NEET-UG by 2027, as the Nilekani Task Force is expected to submit its report by September-end 2026. The move comes after the 2026 question paper leaks that affected 23 lakh students, prompting the court to monitor reforms and demand permanent staffing at NTA.

Supreme Court Directs States to Revisit Raising Judicial Officers' Retirement Age to 61 in 2 Weeks

The Supreme Court has held that States cannot use financial burden as a valid ground to oppose enhancing the retirement age of judicial officers. It has directed all States/UTs to decide within two weeks, in consultation with High Courts, on allowing district judges to serve up to 61 years while a petition for uniform 62 years remains pending.

Supreme Court Clarifies July 31 Order: Media Can Report Proceedings But Cannot Use Audio-Video Clips

The Supreme Court clarified that news outlets can report court proceedings but cannot use audio or video clips in their reports. This balances open justice with preventing misuse of selective clips. Key for understanding judicial transparency and media regulation.

Parliamentary Panel Flags NCERT Textbook Delays, Application-Based Exams Widening Curriculum Gap for Classes 9-12

A parliamentary panel has identified a critical gap between the NEP 2020-aligned curriculum and its implementation for Classes 9-12, citing delays in NCERT textbook releases and the shift to application-based board exams as sources of student stress. The report also flags declining teacher training, uneven enrolment, and the persistent shortfall in education spending (4.1% of GDP vs the 6% target), making it a high-relevance issue for education policy and governance questions.

CBSE Mandates Three Languages Including Two Native Indian Languages for Class 9 from July 2026

The Centre informed the Supreme Court it is working on implementing the CBSE's three-language policy, making two native Indian languages compulsory for Class 9 from July 2026. The policy aligns with NEP 2020, but faces challenges over implementation timelines and infrastructure, with the SC seeking a balanced solution.