NCERT has created a new group of twenty people to prepare updated Political Science textbooks for classes 11 and 12. The previous team, formed in June 2025, was completely abolished. The new group will be responsible for developing the curriculum and materials in accordance with the National Curriculum Framework 2023.
Professor Sandeep Shastri, Vice-President of Nitte University, has been appointed as the head of this team. Dr. Vantangui Hobung and Dr. Subhash Singh have been appointed as his assistants and coordinators, who will provide the entire team with information regarding NCERT rules and meetings.
The team includes professors from major educational institutions such as JNU, National Law University, Chanakya University, and IGNOU, as well as teachers from some schools.
Four members of the team have long-standing connections with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) or affiliated organizations. For instance, Yadunat Deshpande, an advisor to the Ministry of Education, was previously associated with ABVP and held high positions in this organization in Maharashtra.
Dr. Prashant Divekar from Gyan Prabodhi institution in Pune, which was founded by an RSS propagandist in 1962, is also part of the team. Furthermore, Professor Vandana Mishra from JNU, who was formerly the national secretary of ABVP, participates in the group's work. The list also features JNU Associate Professor Dr. Ravi Rameshchandra Shukla, who is on the editorial board of the Rambhar Mahalgi Prabodhi journal, which is linked to the RSS. The appearance of these names has sparked discussions.
The new group has been clearly instructed to pay special attention to the Indian knowledge system and indigenous culture in the textbooks, making it a key part of the political science material. Topics such as equality, universal participation, quality education, and technology are also planned to be included.
Before starting work, the team must receive consultations from other NCERT experts, and a special working group will meticulously review every section. All twenty members of the team will collaborate on writing chapters, creating illustrations, and improving the language. Each participant is required to conduct thorough study and research on the subject before beginning to write.
According to the established plan, the new Political Science book for Class 11 should be ready by November 30, 2026, and the release for Class 12 is scheduled for July 30, 2027.
The student organization NSUI has expressed strong disagreement with the formation of the new NCERT political science textbook development committee due to the presence of members linked to the RSS. The organization believes that the presence of such individuals in a committee responsible for preparing educational materials for the country's students raises serious questions. NSUI emphasized that it does not accept attempts to turn the education system into an ideological laboratory. The organization announced its intention to resolutely defend the voice of students across all campuses under the leadership of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi against Union interference in the field of education.