In line with the Government of India’s emphasis on integrating Ayurveda into the education system, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has revised the Science curriculum to feature dedicated chapters on Ayurveda. The new additions have been incorporated into the Science textbooks for Classes 6, 7, and 8, aiming to help students understand India’s ancient scientific and medical knowledge.
According to an Education Times report, NCERT is also planning to revise the Science syllabus for Classes 9 to 12. In addition, the University Grants Commission (UGC) will soon introduce a separate Ayurveda curriculum for higher education, marking a major step in mainstreaming traditional knowledge systems.
Ayurveda Included in NCERT Science Textbooks
NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani stated that integrating Ayurvedic concepts into textbooks will encourage holistic learning, promoting not just scientific knowledge but also awareness of physical and mental well-being.
In the updated curriculum:
Class 8 Science textbook ‘Curiosity’ includes a chapter on Ayurveda in Chapter 3 It explains Ayurveda as a health system focused on balancing the body, mind, and environment. Students are introduced to:
-
- Daily routine (Dinacharya)
- Seasonal routine (Ritucharya)
- Importance of wholesome food aligned with the body
- Regular exercise and mindfulness practices
Class 6 Science textbook highlights Ayurveda’s classification of matter based on the twenty opposing properties (Guṇa) mentioned in the classical text Ashtanga Hridaya Sutra Sthana. This chapter connects students to a holistic understanding of health, nutrition, and nature.
These updates aim to bridge the gap between traditional Indian medical science and the modern education system.
NCERT–UGC Collaboration on Ayurveda Education
Earlier, Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav had announced that NCERT and UGC would collaborate to develop teaching-learning modules that bring students closer to the principles of holistic health. He shared that several states including Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh have already integrated Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into their school curriculum.
The minister also emphasized that:
- Ayurveda-related learning is now part of teacher education programs
- NCERT’s Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) and affiliate institutions are playing an active role
- Teacher training, skill development, and regular orientation workshops are being conducted to ensure smooth adoption
- Special teacher handbooks are being prepared to guide effective classroom teaching
Promoting Holistic Learning Across India
The inclusion of Ayurveda in the NCERT Science curriculum is expected to help young learners appreciate the scientific value of India’s traditional health system. With upcoming expansions to higher classes and college-level courses, the initiative aims to strengthen students’ connection to Ayurveda, natural healing, and sustainable living.
As NCERT continues to update school textbooks, the integration of Ayurveda marks a significant transformation that blends modern science with ancient wisdom, fostering healthier lifestyle habits among the future generation.
