NCERT Introduces Ayurveda in School Curriculum: Major Overhaul in Science Syllabus for Classes 6–8

In a landmark move, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced that Ayurveda will now be taught as part of the science curriculum for Classes 6 to 8. The decision aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to blend India’s ancient knowledge traditions with modern education.

This change marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to science education — offering students not only modern scientific knowledge but also insights into health, nutrition, and environmental balance through an Indian perspective.

Ayurveda Makes Its Way into Science Textbooks

NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani confirmed that the updated science textbooks will now feature key Ayurvedic concepts. For Class 6, new chapters will introduce 20 fundamental Ayurvedic principles, explaining how they connect to physical and mental well-being.

For Class 8, a special chapter titled “Balance of Body, Mind, and Environment” has been added. This section will explore topics such as daily routines, seasonal lifestyles, and the importance of harmony between humans and nature — core ideas in Ayurveda.

According to NCERT, the inclusion of Ayurveda aims to help students view science as a holistic discipline, one that addresses not just technological advancements but also the sustainability of life and health.

Expanding Beyond Schools: Higher Education to Follow

The integration of Ayurveda won’t stop at school level. The University Grants Commission (UGC), in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, is preparing specialized modules to include Ayurvedic studies in colleges and universities.

Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav emphasized that both allopathy and Ayurveda should be seen as complementary systems rather than competing ones. “By merging modern medicine with traditional knowledge, India can pioneer a truly integrated healthcare model,” he said.

This initiative is expected to give students a deeper understanding of India’s centuries-old healing traditions while encouraging scientific inquiry into natural medicine.

Aligning Education with India’s Knowledge Heritage

The inclusion of Ayurveda in the school syllabus is directly inspired by the vision of NEP 2020, which seeks to revive India’s Bharatiya Gyan Parampara (Indian Knowledge System).

The move aims to:

• Foster respect for ancient Indian sciences.

• Promote awareness about holistic health and sustainable living.

• Encourage a balance between traditional wisdom and modern scientific inquiry.

By learning about Ayurveda early in their academic journey, students will develop a scientifically informed understanding of the mind-body-environment connection — a principle deeply rooted in India’s heritage.

Why This Move Matters

Experts in the education sector have praised NCERT’s decision as a “forward-looking” step that bridges the gap between modern science and traditional wisdom.
It also reflects India’s growing emphasis on value-based education, where learning is not limited to academics but also cultivates well-being and social responsibility.

The revised textbooks are expected to be introduced in the 2026 academic session, giving teachers time to undergo orientation programs for the new content.

A New Chapter in Indian Education

The integration of Ayurveda into NCERT’s science syllabus is more than just a curriculum update — it’s a cultural and educational milestone. By uniting the precision of modern science with the holistic wisdom of Ayurveda, India is shaping a new generation of learners who appreciate both innovation and tradition.

As NEP 2020 envisions, education in India is now not just about learning facts — it’s about rediscovering roots, nurturing health, and building a future where knowledge and well-being go hand in hand.