The National Council of Educational Research and Training has reconstituted its textbook development team for political science textbooks covering Classes 11 and 12, according to a report by The Hindu. The newly formed panel is headed by Sandeep Shastri, a scholar who serves as vice‑president of Nitte, a deemed university in Karnataka, and includes several academics who have been linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The move follows earlier revisions to NCERT textbooks that sparked debate over alterations to political science and history material.
What happened
NCERT, the premier body responsible for designing school curricula across India, announced the reshaping of its political science textbook development panel in early 2026. The reconstituted team will oversee the preparation of textbooks for the final two years of secondary education, a stage that prepares students for university entrance examinations and higher studies. Sandeep Shastri, identified in the report as an academic and political analyst, will chair the panel. His affiliation with Nitte, a private university recognized by the Department of Higher Education, adds a layer of institutional legitimacy to the panel’s authority.
The Hindu’s coverage notes that the panel’s membership comprises scholars who have publicly expressed alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). While the exact number of RSS‑affiliated members was not specified, the report indicates that their presence is significant enough to draw attention from observers concerned about ideological influence on educational content. The reconstitution marks the latest in a series of adjustments to NCERT’s textbook committees, each occurring under different governmental administrations.
Why it matters
The involvement of RSS‑linked scholars in a key curriculum‑shaping body raises questions about the political direction of senior secondary political science education. Political science at the 11‑12 level shapes students’ understanding of governance, civil rights, and India’s democratic institutions; any perceived bias can affect civic awareness and future political engagement. Critics argue that the panel’s composition may lead to a curriculum that reflects a particular ideological stance, potentially marginalizing alternative viewpoints and undermining the neutrality that educational bodies are expected to maintain.
Supporters of the reconstitution contend that periodic updates to textbook content are necessary to correct perceived omissions or biases that have developed over time. They suggest that the inclusion of scholars with RSS affiliations may bring a different perspective to the material, one that emphasizes national integration and cultural continuity. This debate reflects a broader national conversation about the role of ideology in education policy, a topic that has resurfaced repeatedly as successive governments have sought to influence school curricula.
Analysis:
The pattern of reconstituting textbook committees aligns with a longstanding practice in Indian education policy, where each new administration tends to appoint scholars whose scholarly work or affiliations correspond with its ideological orientation. This practice is not unique to the current government; earlier panels have included academics associated with various political and cultural organizations. The recurring nature of these appointments suggests that the process itself has become a tool for signaling policy priorities, rather than merely a technical adjustment to curriculum content.
From an accountability standpoint, the lack of transparent criteria for selecting panel members raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for partisan influence. While the source does not provide details on the selection methodology, the visible presence of RSS‑linked scholars indicates that ideological affiliation may be a decisive factor. This opacity can erode public trust in the neutrality of educational materials, especially when the textbooks in question are used by millions of students across diverse regions and linguistic groups.
The significance of the political science textbook revision is amplified by the subject’s central role in the school curriculum. Political science curricula typically cover the Constitution, democratic processes, public policy, and international relations. Changes to the framing of these topics can shape students’ perceptions of governmental legitimacy, historical narratives, and civic responsibilities. If the new panel steers the content toward a particular ideological narrative, it may affect not only academic outcomes but also the broader sociopolitical discourse in the country.
Background and context
NCERT operates under the Ministry of Education and is tasked with developing, publishing, and updating textbooks for all recognized schools in India. Its textbook development process involves forming expert panels that review existing materials, conduct research, and draft new content in line with national educational standards. The council has a history of revising textbooks in response to perceived gaps in the curriculum, shifts in societal values, or directives from the governing party.
Previous revisions to NCERT textbooks have attracted scrutiny, particularly when changes pertained to history, geography, and political science. In recent years, critics have alleged that certain modifications downplayed certain historical events or presented a skewed view of India’s democratic institutions. The current reconstitution follows a similar pattern, as the report notes that earlier revisions to political science and history content “drew scrutiny.” This continuity suggests that the debate over curriculum direction is an ongoing feature of India’s educational landscape.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, founded in 1925, is a voluntary organization that promotes a cultural vision aligned with Hindu nationalist ideas. Its affiliate bodies, including political parties and educational institutions, have increasingly influenced public discourse and policy in India. The presence of scholars linked to the RSS in the NCERT panel therefore fits within a broader trend of ideological representation in public institutions.
What to watch next
Observers will likely monitor several developments following the panel’s formation. First, the content of the new political science textbooks will be scrutinized for shifts in thematic emphasis, historical interpretation, and pedagogical approach. Independent educators, academic associations, and civil society groups are expected to publish analyses comparing the revised material with prior editions.
Second, the panel’s composition may become a focal point for parliamentary debates and media investigations. Legislators from opposition parties have previously raised questions about the influence of political affiliations on educational bodies, and the current arrangement could trigger similar inquiries.
Third, the response from the academic community will be crucial. Scholars who oppose the perceived ideological slant may organize petitions, public statements, or even legal challenges to ensure that curriculum development remains grounded in empirical research rather than partisan agendas.
Finally, the ultimate impact on students will be measured through examination results, classroom discussions, and broader societal attitudes toward democratic institutions. Longitudinal studies will be needed to assess whether the revised textbooks influence civic engagement or political awareness in measurable ways.
Conclusion
NCERT’s reconstitution of its political science textbook development panel, led by Sandeep Shastri and including scholars linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, marks a notable moment in India’s ongoing debate over curriculum neutrality and ideological influence. The move follows a pattern of periodic revisions that have sparked public scrutiny and academic discussion. As the new textbooks take shape, the education sector and the wider public will watch closely for signs of bias, the quality of scholarly input, and the extent to which the material aligns with the broader goals of fostering informed, critical citizens. The outcome of this process will likely reverberate beyond the classroom, shaping how India’s youth understand its political institutions and democratic values.
Sources
The Hindu – National, “NCERT reconstitutes textbook development team for Classes 11 and 12 political science,” https://www.thehindu.com/education/ncert-reconstitutes-textbook-development-team-for-classes-11-and-12-political-science/article71366560.ece
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
