NCERT launches six-month certificate programme on developing social science textbooks and curricular materials

NCERT has announced specialised training for textbook developers

The NCERT has slated the period of September 2025 to February 2026 for the six-month certificate programme on developing social science textbooks and other curricular materials. This initiative is aimed at enhancing professional skills in curriculum development and building the national capacity for quality educational resources. Thus, the programme is the first of its kind to attempt to professionalise the development of social science curricula and associated materials in India.

The importance of this programme

The curriculum and textbook development process is often rife with multiple ambiguities. In India, many textbook and curriculum developers primarily have a formal education in other disciplines. Over the last few decades, the implemented curriculum has proven unsuccessful on numerous accounts, leading to a call for urgent educational reforms and the restructuring of present educational systems. NCERT’s structured approach in this case is a step towards harnessing the potential of teachers to create tailored, efficient, and learner-centric educational resources.

Intended outcomes of the new programme

Increase the professional skills and training of teacher educators and aspiring textbook developers.
Increase the capacity of SCERTs, DIETs, and other national bodies to deliver premium quality curricular materials.
Increase the number of trained professionals in social science resource and content development.

Course structure and duration

The course is of 6 months and is structured in three phases:
Phase 1: Online (September - October 2025)

Phase 2: In Person at NCERT, New Delhi (November - December 2025)

Phase 3: Online (January - February 2026)

Students are expected to complete 4 courses (20 credits in total) including:
School Social Science Education: Building Perspectives
Epistemology and Social Sciences
Development of Curricular Resources and Pedagogic Concerns
Learning and Assessment in Social Sciences
Evaluations will include assignments, portfolio assessments, and interactive workshops.

Who can apply

The course is open only to:
Teacher educators from DIETs/SCERTs with 5+ years’ experience in teaching/research in social sciences
School, college or university professionals with 2+ years of teaching in addition to social science and relevant graduate/post graduate

Selection and application process

The candidates who have shown interest are to complete the application via the google form provided and have it submitted by the 20th of September, Year 2025. There is a possibility of attending online interviews for the shortlisted candidates. Deputation requests will be filled in by the candidate’s respective institutions to facilitate the attendance for all three phases.

For more information, prospective candidates can email dess.training@ciet.nic.in.