Education
Early Childhood Care & Education: What Makes It Essential?
ANUSHKA YADAV examines the sole purpose of ECCE, which is to help children live their best lives.
“A child’s most important steps happen before they set foot in a primary school. By their fifth birthday, children’s brains are 90% developed and the foundations for success at school and in later life are in place,” says a joint UNICEF-OECD-UNESCO blog.
UNESCO defines early childhood as “the period from birth to eight years of age”. Alongside remarkable physical growth and “brain development at its peak,” the environment and people in a child’s surroundings influence her or him highly at this stage. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), thus, aims at the holistic development of a child. It includes all forms of education, both formal and informal, that builds a strong foundation for the child’s lifelong learning and wellbeing.
On the surface, informal education refers to the primary source of input i.e. a child’s relationship and its nature and quality with his or her parents and/or primary caregiver. When people say parents are the first teachers of a child, it’s the truth and not just hearsay. The relationship between the two is critical and sensitive, especially between the ages 0 to 2. On the basis of the quality of the parent-child relationship, a child forms a sense of self, and attachment with the parent.
The second part of the equation of ECCE is the formal education. It differs from state to state, and programme to programme. Educational programmes are often designed according to age groups and are administered in several settings such as daycare, childcare, kindergarten, nursery school, or preschool.
Some people consider ECCE as a mere preparation before entering the primary school; however, it is much more than that.
ECE experts owe their gratitude to the renowned psychologist, Jean Piaget for his research and theory on learning through play; Early Childhood Education posits that learning is highly effective when combined with play. Play meets the physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social needs of children. You would ask how does that happen? According to research, it has been found that the curiosity and imagination of children are evoked naturally when they are unfettered. Tassoni suggests that "some play opportunities will develop specific individual areas of development, but many will develop several areas."
WHAT ARE THE KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR CREATING A PLAY-BASED LEARNING ATMOSPHERE?
A Safe Space for Children to Interact and Play in Correct Supervision.
A Culturally Aware and Trained Educator, who has certification in the Early Years Foundation.
However, before setting up this environment, it is imperative that we understand the purpose of Early Childhood Care and Education.
LEARNING & HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT:
Foremost, it aims at instilling enthusiasm in the child towards learning; with the powerful tool of learning with play, ECE experts believe that different play and structured activities lay a strong foundation for learning and developing the imaginative power of an individual. It is at this stage that children’s thirst to acquire knowledge until satisfactory answers are obtained develops. Preschoolers realise the importance of education in their lives. Several studies have reported that children who attend an ECCE program tend to have their IQ scores increased by the age of five from 4-11 points; on the other hand, a Milwaukee study reported a 25-point gain in IQ scores. As mentioned above, one of the central purposes of Early Childhood Education is to promote holistic development. Preschools can be a place where a child’s weaknesses are recognised and worked upon while they are given the freedom to express and improve on their strengths. Further, it also leads to stimulating the brain of the child which is another purpose of ECCE.
Improve Social Skills:
ECCE aims at developing friendship among the preschoolers belonging to the common age group through play. One of the most important aspects of such schools is to provide the children with a safe environment that builds strong relationships while they interact with each other; it also encourages children to step out of their comfort zones leading to overcoming shyness for healthy social development. It is better for preschoolers to learn the art of sharing at an early age to avoid hostile behaviour. Children also learn to cooperate, respect the opinions of others, be better listeners and learn the art of communication while promoting teamwork. The active, hands-on experiences enable a child to inculcate life skills in his day-to-day life.
CLOSING EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT GAP:
Providing appropriate education in the formative years helps in pre-emptively closing the education achievement gap between students coming from high and low-income families. Children of low socioeconomic status (SES) already lag behind their higher SES peers as they begin school later; high SES children have three times the number of words in their vocabularies as opposed to low SES children. However, it has been proven that participation in Early Childhood Education drastically improves performance on standardised test while dropping the rate of grade repetition. Thus, the quality of ECCE programs co-relate with improvement in lowincome preschoolers’ IQs and test scores while decreasing grade retention.
SCREENING & IMPROVING HEALTH AND WELLNESS:
Listed as one of the most important purposes, ECCE provides the opportunity to participate in an early childhood screening. How is this screening helpful? Screening is done for three to five-year-olds and it tests things such as physical and emotional health, cognitive development, speech, hearing, coordination, vision, as well as social skills. Screenings are beneficial in identifying any development of healthrelated issues that require attention. It, further, helps in preventing delays in learning and/or healthy development. From giving appropriate nonverbal and verbal cues to providing a nutritious diet, everything affects a child. Visual stimulus and response time as early as 3 months can be an indicator of verbal and performance IQ at age 4 years. Thus, a good diet activates memory while junk and processed foods can cause attention, focus and behavioral issues. ECCE programs encourage the nourishment of the brain through cross lateral movements and exercise. “A child’s physical development level impacts their ability to complete simple tasks such as sitting still, holding a pencil, putting on their shoes, and especially reading – all skills essential for school,” remarked early years’ specialist Dr Rebecca Duncombe, who led a study monitoring children of school age in UK, which found a higher number of kids experience problems with their balance and coordination ultimately affecting their ability to learn in class.
Support Parents, Family, and Community:
In an interview, Dr Swati Popat Vats, President, Early Childhood Association of India, said, “There are some unknown ways by which a parent might affect their child; for example, if you take the child to a movie theatre, and the first thing you do is give them popcorn, then ice-cream, etc. Now, one tub of popcorn has enough salt for a week’s consumption, and you have just overloaded the child with sugar. Most parents say that the child is hyperactive and cranky after going to malls and theatres, and that is obviously going to happen because of all the sugar and salt that was pumped into the child. These are the things parents are not aware of. Another thing is sleep. Many parents do not know that children require nine hours of sleep and if they don’t get those nine hours, their brain’s ability to remember and the immune system become weak. It is important that parents get educated about these simple things so they can stop unknowingly harming their child.” Thus, ECCE becomes a support for parents and families, and aims at building stronger, healthier and happier communities. Ultimately, the purpose of ECCE is to nurture caring, responsible and capable future citizens.
Early Childhood Association, India says… Our Goal is advocacy for stress free childhood years, after all this is the right of every chil. We want to touch the lives of all those who affect the lives and learning of children – be it teachers, parents, policy makers, entrepreneurs media.
UNESCO’s approach is reinforced in the Education 2030 agenda and in particular in target 4.2 of Sustainable Development Goal 4 which aims at ensuring that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education, by 2030, so that they are ready for primary education.
"We must place quality pre-primary education at the heart of education plans and policies across countries," concludes the joint UNICEF-OECD-UNESCO blog.
In this way, Early Childhood Care and Education is one of the most valuable investments a nation can make to promote human resource development, reduce gender inequality and social cohesion, while reducing the costs for later remedial programmes. For disadvantaged children, such programmes play an important role in compensating for their hardships as well as in combating educational inequalities.
Thus, ECCE is education that is fundamental to an individual’s development; it has the ability to significantly affect the later years of an individual’s life as well as the nation. The sole purpose of ECCE is to help children live their best lives.
In a world where algorithms power everything from our social media feeds to self-driving cars, it’s no surprise that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming one of the oldest pillars of education—math learning in the classroom. Once confined to textbooks and chalkboards, math instruction is now getting a high-tech upgrade, ushering in a new era of personalised, engaging, and data-driven learning.
Cracking the Code: Why Math Needs a Makeover?
Let’s face the fact that many students see math as abstract, intimidating, or just plain boring. Traditional classroom approaches often take a one-size-fits-all route, leaving behind both the struggling learner and the gifted problem-solver. This is where AI steps in, not to replace the teacher, but to empower them with tools that adapt to each student’s pace, gaps, and style.
Enter AI: The Digital Math Mentor
Imagine a classroom where a student struggling with fractions gets instant, visual explanations tailored to their exact misunderstanding. At the same time, another who excels in geometry is offered advanced challenges to stretch their thinking. AI platforms are doing just that. They use real-time data to analyse student responses, detect patterns of error, and provide feedback that feels like one-on-one tutoring.
Far from replacing educators, AI acts as a powerful teaching assistant. Teachers can use AI dashboards to spot who needs extra help, where the class is lagging, or what concepts need reteaching without spending hours on manual assessments. This frees up more time for creativity, collaboration, and real-life math applications that bring numbers to life.
AI also allows classrooms to become more inclusive and equitable. Language barriers? AI can offer multilingual support. Visual learners? Dynamic simulations and interactive tools adapt seamlessly. Students with special needs? Personalized pacing ensures no one falls through the cracks.
What’s Next? The Future of Math + AI
As AI grows more sophisticated, so does its potential in math classrooms. Think AI-generated practice problems based on local news, gamified learning paths that turn algebra into an adventure, or virtual tutors available 24/7 for homework help.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Educators, parents, and developers must ensure that AI tools remain ethical, transparent, and supportive, not controlling or biased.
Math education is no longer just about memorising formulas or solving problems on paper. In the AI-powered classroom, it’s about curiosity, connection, and confidence. With the right blend of technology and teaching, we’re not just raising better mathematicians but combining critical thinking with the subject for a world powered by data and driven by ideas.
This article is authored by-
Ranjith P C, Head Curriculum Excellence, TVS Education
What happens when self-worth becomes a scrolling statistic? When confidence is measured in likes, validation is sought in comments, and a missed post feels like a missed opportunity, social media quietly becomes more than a platform; it becomes a mirror that distorts.
For the younger generation, the digital world isn’t an escape. It’s their reality. What once was a space for fun and connection now silently dictates their self-image, decisions, and even mental health. A carefully crafted caption, the right filter, or a viral reel can spark joy, but it can also fuel anxiety, insecurity, and constant comparison.
As engaging as social media is, it comes with an invisible cost. The pressure to be constantly available, consistently appealing, and endlessly relevant can take a toll. Many teenagers find themselves trapped in a loop of approval-seeking, often mistaking online popularity for personal worth.
Online peer pressure has evolved from being subtle to strategic. Likes are currency, stories are reputation, and every post is performance. Combine that with cyberbullying, misinformation, and the relentless pace of content, and you’ve got a digital space that’s as overwhelming as it is addictive.
Yet, knowing how to use social platforms doesn’t mean knowing how to handle them. Digital literacy has surged, but digital emotional intelligence still needs nurturing.
Recognising the urgency of this shift, Nirvaan Birla, Founder of Birla Open Minds, shared, “We see it every day. The impact social media is having on the younger generation’s mental and emotional wellbeing is significant. That is why at Birla Open Minds, we have initiated sessions like ‘Likes vs. Life’ across our schools. These sessions are designed to help learners reflect on their relationship with social media, how it affects their confidence, their focus, and their sense of self. Our larger vision is to shape not just academically strong individuals but also emotionally resilient ones who can navigate the digital world with awareness and responsibility.”
The idea isn’t to villainize social media. It’s to humanize its users. What the younger generation needs most isn’t just digital access, but digital awareness. The ability to pause. To question. To ask: Is this who I really am, or just who I’m trying to be online. Because beyond the reels, hashtags, and likes lies something far more important: life. And that should never be lived for an algorithm.
Here’s the thing about privilege: most of us don’t even realise how it shapes our choices, our comfort zones and the opportunities we chase
I’ve been thinking about this for a while now, but it hit me harder during a recent conversation with a college student. One of the factors they had in mind while choosing their higher education institution was that most of the students there came from similar economic backgrounds. They felt uneasy at the thought of being in a space where others might be less privileged than them. And just like that, it became clear: even the discomfort of being around inequality is, in itself, a kind of privilege.
Here’s the thing: privilege wears many faces. Money, yes. But also caste. Gender. Language. Skin tone. Disability. Geography. And then there’s what Gen Z calls “pretty privilege”—the unspoken perks of fitting society’s standards of attractiveness. These aren’t abstract ideas. They play out every day—in who gets picked, who gets heard, who gets help without asking.
This isn’t about guilt. Guilt gets us nowhere. Awareness, though? That’s powerful. Students should be taught to recognise the invisible lifts they get. It’s not just that some kids have better shoes—it’s that they’ve never had to worry about having shoes. It’s not just about who studies in English-medium schools—it’s about who gets praised for speaking English at all.
Privilege doesn’t cancel out hard work. It explains the head start. And when students understand that, they become better humans. They stop seeing success as a solo act and start acknowledging the small privileges they enjoy. These can be supportive families, access to tutors, clean water, a safe route to school. Things so normal for some, they fade into the background. Afterall, acknowledgment is the first step to building empathy.
So where do schools come in? Right at the heart of it. Not with token assemblies or once-a-year poster competitions, but with consistent conversations. Through stories, books, theatre, debates—whatever gets them to look up from their own experience and into someone else’s. Not to feel bad, but to build perspective. And maybe, just maybe, to use their privilege to lift someone else.
This isn’t about shaming anyone or turning life into a comparison game. It’s about empathy and responsibility. When students know they benefit from privilege, they can harness it to help others. They can mentor younger kids, fundraise for resources, or simply speak up when they see inequality in the classroom.
This isn’t a curriculum change. It’s a mindset shift. It’s the difference between raising achievers and raising citizens. If we teach kids to see both their own comfort and the struggles of others, we’ll nurture a generation that doesn’t just accept their advantages but shares them too.
If we want an education system that prepares students for the real world, then recognising privilege isn’t a side-topic. It’s foundational.
(This article is authored by Dhruv Chhabra, Lead-Content and Design at ScooNews and reflects the author’s personal beliefs and lived observations as an education journalist and storyteller. It is written with the hope that classrooms can become kinder, more aware spaces.)
India is on the verge of a major overhaul in how it governs higher education, with the government aiming to replace the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) with the proposed Higher Education Commission of India (HECI). The move, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, seeks to create a more efficient, autonomous, and accountable regulatory system.
Why Replace UGC, AICTE & NCTE?
The current structure—with multiple agencies overseeing different sectors—has long faced criticism for being fragmented and bureaucratic. Overlaps in jurisdiction, slow decision-making, and limited autonomy for institutions have prompted calls for reform. Committees like the Yash Pal and National Knowledge Commission have recommended a unified regulator to reduce red tape and improve coordination.
What HECI Will Look Like
According to the draft and Lok Sabha updates by Education Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar, HECI will have four independent verticals:
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Regulation (NHERC) – compliance and governance
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Accreditation (NAC) – quality assurance
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Grants (HEGC) – performance-based funding
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Academic Standards (GEC) – curriculum and learning outcomes
This “light but tight” approach aims to foster innovation and autonomy while maintaining integrity and transparency.
Potential Benefits
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Streamlined oversight: Instead of navigating multiple authorities, institutions will liaise with one regulator.
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Better resource allocation: Integrated funding vertical offers performance incentives, echoing models in the UK and Australia.
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Unified standards: Accreditation and curriculum will be uniform, reducing interstate disparities.
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Global alignment: Can enhance India’s appeal with international quality frameworks.
Risks & Concerns
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Centralisation: Experts warn that vesting extensive power in one body may over-centralise control, risking academic freedom.
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Loss of specialised oversight: Domain experts from UGC, AICTE, and NCTE may be diluted.
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Bureaucratic inertia: Transition could bring its own delays and resistance from existing bodies.
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Compliance complexity: Institutions may face confusion adapting to new norms and vertical structures.
Global Inspiration & Way Forward
Many countries offer models worth emulating: the UK’s Office for Students (OfS), Australia’s TEQSA, and the US’s accreditation agencies show that one-regulator systems can work—if they strike a balance between oversight and autonomy. The NEP framework supports this, but success hinges on a smooth transition, capacity building, and safeguarding academic freedom.
In short, HECI is more than an institutional reshuffle. It has the potential to redefine Indian higher education—if implemented thoughtfully. The challenge now lies in building consensus, streamlining regulatory roles, and ensuring this new body empowers institutions, not constrains them.
This news has been sourced from various media outlets, with parts of it written and contextualised by the ScooNews editorial team.
More than 4.7 lakh counterfeit NCERT textbooks have been confiscated across India since 2024, the Ministry of Education revealed in the Rajya Sabha this week. The large-scale crackdown is part of NCERT’s renewed efforts to combat textbook piracy and safeguard access to authentic, affordable learning materials for students nationwide.
Responding to a written query in the Upper House, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary stated that textbook piracy has been rampant across multiple states, driven primarily by commercial interests of unauthorised entities. Between 2024 and 2025, over 4.71 lakh fake NCERT books were seized during enforcement operations.
In a series of raids across 29 locations suspected of producing or distributing counterfeit books, NCERT officials also uncovered stocks of fake watermarked paper and high-end printing equipment — collectively worth over ₹20 crore. These raids aimed not only to halt the illegal printing supply chain but also to reinforce the credibility of NCERT materials.
“NCERT textbooks are printed on a no-profit, no-loss basis to reach every child in the country,” Chaudhary reiterated in his reply.
To further stem the piracy tide, NCERT has taken several preventive steps, including reducing textbook prices by 20%, modernising printing methods, and making books more widely available through e-commerce platforms. These steps are aimed at reducing dependency on black-market sources by ensuring affordable and timely textbook access.
In collaboration with IIT Kanpur, NCERT also piloted a tech-based anti-piracy solution using a patented mechanism in one million copies of a Class 6 book. This innovation allows books to be tracked and authenticated, potentially creating a digital trail to curb piracy in the future.
In a sobering update shared in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, revealed that student suicides constituted 7.6% of all suicide cases reported in India in 2022. While marginally lower than the figures in 2021 (8.0%) and 2020 (8.2%), the data underlines an ongoing mental health crisis among the nation’s youth.
The statistics were drawn from the Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), as per the minister’s written response in Parliament.
Recognising the urgency of the matter, the Centre has ramped up efforts to address student mental health through a multi-pronged strategy. This includes psychological support not only for students but also for educators and families, aiming to create a more holistic safety net within the education system.
As reported by The Indian Express, Minister Majumdar highlighted the Ministry of Education’s Manodarpan initiative, which has reached lakhs of students across India through tele-counselling, webinars, and live interactions. Parallel efforts under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) now cover 767 districts, offering suicide prevention services and life skills training in schools and colleges.
Adding to this, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued advisories to higher education institutions urging them to prioritise student welfare, fitness, and emotional well-being. Institutions like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIT Guwahati have started conducting resilience-building and stress management workshops under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme.
Addressing addiction among youth, the Centre has also intensified anti-drug campaigns to accompany its mental health outreach.
Separately, the Ministry of Education is in the process of drafting legislation to establish the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), aiming to unify regulation under a single authority. The new body will replace existing agencies like the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE, aligning with the NEP 2020 vision of a “light but tight” governance framework that promotes autonomy, innovation, and accountability.
In a notification issued on Monday, to enhance student safety and ensure accountability on school campuses, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras with real-time audio-visual recording across all affiliated schools.
According to the notification, the board has amended its Affiliation Bye Laws-2018, requiring the installation of CCTV cameras at all critical points within school premises, including classrooms, corridors, libraries, staircases, and other key areas—excluding washrooms and toilets. The footage must have a minimum backup of 15 days and should be made available to authorities upon request.
This directive is part of CBSE’s broader commitment to ensuring students’ physical and emotional well-being. It aims to create safer learning environments by preventing bullying, intimidation, and other implicit threats. The move also aligns with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)’s ‘Manual on Safety and Security of Children in Schools’, released in 2021, which outlines safety protocols for creating secure and supportive school settings.
In the official circular, CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta stated, “Children have a constitutional right to live with dignity and access education in a safe and supportive environment. The safety has two aspects — from unscrupulous, un-societal elements and from implicit threats like bullying. All such threats can be addressed using modern surveillance technologies.”
The board noted that bullying significantly impacts student self-esteem and mental health. “Children require a healthy and nurturing environment to thrive. This decision is part of our effort to foster that environment,” the notification read.
While many private schools have welcomed the move, citing improved monitoring and security, several government school representatives expressed concern over the implementation. They highlighted the need to repair existing non-functional cameras before investing in new technology.
As implementation begins, the directive reinforces CBSE’s stance on prioritising student safety through proactive and tech-enabled solutions.
For Sandhya Ukkalkar, the path to becoming an educator in the field of special education was never just a professional decision — it was deeply personal. It began in the quiet, determined moments of motherhood, as she searched for a school that could truly understand her son’s unique needs. Diagnosed with Autism and Intellectual Disability, he required more than care — he needed acceptance, structure, and a nurturing environment.
In 1996, a compassionate doctor guided her to Jai Vakeel School. From the moment her son was enrolled, Sandhya witnessed a transformation that brought not only relief, but hope. Encouraged by the school’s doctor, she enrolled in a special education course, and by June 2000, she returned to the same institution — this time as a teacher. Over the years, she grew into the role of Principal of the Autism Centre at Jai Vakeel, dedicating her life to children who, like her son, simply needed to be seen, understood, and supported.
What sets the Autism Centre apart is not just its experience or legacy, but its guiding philosophy: a child-led, strengths-based approach that celebrates neurodiversity. Here, each learner follows an Individualised Education Plan (IEP), supported through small groups, one-on-one sessions, and methodologies that include Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Sensory Integration, and Visual Supports. The goal isn’t to fit children into a mould but to honour their unique ways of engaging with the world.
Serving children aged 3 to 18, the centre focuses on early intervention, functional academics, and pre-vocational training — all grounded in a multisensory curriculum aligned with NCF and NCERT. For the 31 students with Autism and Intellectual Disability who currently attend, the emphasis lies on building communication and sensory skills that can translate into real-world independence.
Sandhya believes collaboration is the cornerstone of success. At the centre, therapists, educators, parents, and healthcare professionals work as a unified team. Over 75% of the children served come from low-income families, and many receive free or subsidised education and therapy through rural camps and outreach programs.
“These aren’t luxuries,” Sandhya insists, referring to tools like sensory rooms and assistive tech. “They’re essentials.”
And the results are deeply moving. Children who once struggled with attention now engage joyfully in sessions. Some who were non-verbal begin to use gestures, visuals, and eventually words. Others transition into mainstream schools. One student, now preparing for CA exams, once needed foundational classroom readiness support. These are not isolated cases — they are the product of consistent, individualised attention and belief.
For Sandhya, the real victories come in the smallest moments: a child pointing to a picture to communicate, another who finally sits through a full session, or a parent whispering “thank you” with tears in their eyes. These everyday breakthroughs are everything.
Her personal experience as a parent gives Sandhya a unique lens. She understands the fears, hopes, and quiet triumphs families carry. That’s why parental involvement is not optional at the centre — it’s essential. Families regularly participate in progress meetings, classroom observations, and hands-on training. Home goals — practical and doable — are shared, and customised visual aids help ensure continuity beyond school hours. Emotional support is offered just as readily as academic strategies.
Still, the challenges are real. There is a pressing shortage of professionals trained in autism-specific interventions, especially for students with high support needs. Assistive communication tools are expensive and often out of reach. Space is limited, even as demand grows. Sandhya dreams of expanding — with dedicated sensory rooms, inclusive playgrounds, and classrooms designed for neurodivergent learners. “These help children feel safe, calm, and ready to learn,” she says.
Her vision for the future is clear: inclusion that goes beyond tokenism. She dreams of classrooms where neurodivergent children aren’t merely accommodated, but genuinely valued — where belonging is a given, not a gift. To get there, she believes we must build on three pillars: Mindset (a shift from awareness to true acceptance), Capacity (training educators, therapists, and families), and Belonging (where every child is emotionally safe and socially included).
As she looks ahead, Sandhya hopes to increase enrolment, offer structured training for parents and teachers, partner with inclusive schools for smooth transitions, and support students well into adulthood — through vocational training, community participation, and self-advocacy.
Her journey is a reminder that special education isn’t just about what children need — it’s about what they deserve.
Because, as Sandhya says,
“In every smile, there’s a victory. And every child deserves to smile.”
Read the full story in our issue of Teacher Warriors 2025 here.
Education
CBSE Plans Two-Level Science and Maths in Classes 11–12 to Ease Pressure and Boost Flexibility
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is considering the introduction of a two-level system for Science and Mathematics in Classes 11 and 12. The plan is aimed at offering students the flexibility to choose the difficulty level of STEM subjects based on their future academic or career aspirations.
As reported by India Today and originally learnt through The Sunday Express, the proposal is an extension of an existing model implemented in Classes 9 and 10. In Class 10 Mathematics, for instance, students currently choose between Basic and Standard versions during board exams—a move that has allowed students not pursuing Mathematics further to pass with confidence and reduced stress.
The upcoming shift aligns with the broader vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages flexible, multidisciplinary learning and student-centric academic pathways.
What the Two-Tier System Means
Under the proposed system, students eyeing careers in fields like engineering or medicine could opt for advanced-level Mathematics or Science, while those focused on the arts, commerce, or vocational pathways could select a standard or foundational version of these subjects.
This customisation acknowledges the diversity of learner needs and aims to reduce the one-size-fits-all pressure that has long characterised India’s board exam-driven system.
Changes Ahead for Schools
If approved, the shift would require significant operational changes in schools—ranging from separate classes for the two levels to revised textbooks, updated assessments, and teacher training. CBSE is expected to issue detailed implementation guidelines after further consultation.
While still under consideration, this move marks a progressive step toward making STEM education more accessible, relevant, and aligned with students’ interests and life goals.
In a heartwarming gesture of gratitude, the Indian Army has pledged to fully sponsor the education of 10-year-old Shvan Singh, a young boy from Punjab’s Ferozepur district who supported troops with food and water during the intense gunfire of Operation Sindoor.
During the cross-border conflict in early May, Shvan—then mistakenly reported as ‘Svarn’ Singh—fearlessly stepped up to help soldiers stationed near Tara Wali village, just 2 km from the international border. With lassi, tea, milk, and ice in hand, the Class 4 student made repeated trips, delivering supplies to the troops amid ongoing shelling and sniper fire.
Moved by his courage, the Golden Arrow Division of the Indian Army has now taken full responsibility for Shvan’s educational expenses. In a formal ceremony held at Ferozepur Cantonment, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, felicitated the boy and applauded his spirit of service.
“I want to become a ‘fauji’ when I grow up. I want to serve the country,” Shvan had told media in May. His father added, “We are proud of him. Even the soldiers loved him.”
Shvan’s actions during Operation Sindoor—India’s strategic missile strike on nine terror camps across the border in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack—have now turned him into a symbol of quiet heroism and youthful patriotism.
In a world where headlines are often dominated by despair, Shvan’s story reminds us that bravery has no age—and that the seeds of service can bloom early.
Math Meets Machine: How AI Is Revolutionising Classroom Learning
Nirvaan Birla on Why Social Media Needs a Rethink in Today’s Classrooms
Teaching Privilege: Why It Belongs in Every Classroom
India Plans Unified Higher Education Regulator: What the HECI Bill Means
Over 4.7 Lakh Pirated NCERT Books Seized Since 2024, Govt Reports
Student Suicides Account for 7.6% of All Cases in India: What the Govt Is Doing Next
CBSE Makes CCTV Cameras with Real-Time Audio-Visual Recording Mandatory in Schools
In Every Smile, a Victory – Sandhya Ukkalkar’s Journey with Jai Vakeel’s Autism Centre
CBSE Plans Two-Level Science and Maths in Classes 11–12 to Ease Pressure and Boost Flexibility
Indian Army to Sponsor Education of 10-Year-Old Who Aided Troops During Operation Sindoor
State Boards Empowered to Offer Skilling & Assessment Under New NCVET Model
Lighting the Way, One Beam at a Time – Monika Banga
University of Southampton Opens First Full-Fledged Foreign University Campus in India
Dancing Beyond Boundaries – The Story of Krithiga Ravichandran
NCERT’s New Class 8 History Textbook Addresses “Darker Periods”, Highlights Religious Intolerance and Resilience
QS Rankings 2026: Delhi Named Most Affordable; Mumbai In Top 100 for Best Student Cities
From Classrooms to Boardrooms: Women Leaders Drive the Vision of Viksit Bharat
The Man Who Called His Students Gods: Dwijendranath Ghosh
NCERT Launches New Class 5 & 8 Textbooks, Makes Art Education Mandatory
US Embassy Tightens Social Media Checks for Student Visas
A School Without Walls: The Pehchaan Story, Led by Akash Tandon
CBSE Requests Affiliated Schools to Host NIOS Public Exams in October–November 2025
When AI Reaches the Top of Bloom’s—and Our Students Are Left Behind
No More Backbenchers: How a Simple Seating Shift Is Reimagining Learning
NEP 2020’s Panch Sankalpa to Guide Central Universities: Dharmendra Pradhan
CBSE’s ‘Sugar Boards’ Initiative: Tackling the Sweet Crisis in Indian Schools
John King’s Book ‘Teacher By Teacher’: A Global Tribute to the Transformative Power of Education
Banu Mushtaq’s International Booker Win Is a Wake-Up Call for Indian Schools to Reclaim Literature
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Mizoram Declared First Fully Literate State in India
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CBSE To Conduct Board Exams Twice for Class 10 from 2026
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India-Turkey Relations Sour: Indian Universities Suspend Academic Ties Over National Security Concerns
Government Doubles Down on Coaching Centres: New Panel Signals Stronger Regulation Ahead
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CBSE Directs Schools to Map Mother Tongues, Pushes for Multilingual Classrooms in Foundational Years
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SGEF2023 | Special Address by Rama Datt, Trustee, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Trust, Jaipur
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Education3 months agoCBSE’s ‘Sugar Boards’ Initiative: Tackling the Sweet Crisis in Indian Schools
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Education3 months agoJohn King’s Book ‘Teacher By Teacher’: A Global Tribute to the Transformative Power of Education
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Education3 months agoBanu Mushtaq’s International Booker Win Is a Wake-Up Call for Indian Schools to Reclaim Literature
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Education2 months agoOpenAI Academy Launches in India to Democratise AI Education for Students, Teachers, and Startups
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Education3 months agoIndian Students Flock to Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai for Higher Studies: 38% Surge Recorded
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Education3 months agoMizoram Declared First Fully Literate State in India
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Education3 months agoUK’s New Immigration Rules: What They Mean for Indian Students
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Education2 months agoCBSE To Conduct Board Exams Twice for Class 10 from 2026
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Education3 months agoDelhi Government Schools to Introduce ‘Kaushal Bodh’ Pre-Vocational Programme for Classes 6 to 8
