Pralhad Joshi extends wishes, addresses gathering on NCERT 66th Foundation Day

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) celebrates its 66th year of foundation day today, September 1, 2026. Over the decades, the organisation has played a significant role in determining what students learn and how they learn through curriculum frameworks, textbooks and academic resources used across the country.

On this occasion, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi posted a message on X, extending his greetings to the NCERT community. In the post he wrote, "Celebrating 66 years of NCERT, a cornerstone of India’s school education and a key institution in nurturing generations of young minds. Warm wishes to the entire NCERT family on its Foundation Day."

NCERT's key responsibilities

Over the years, NCERT has developed into a major academic institution whose work has a direct impact on students, teachers and classrooms across India.

Also read NCERT aligns syllabus, textbooks with NEP 2020 through new curriculum frameworks

Its major responsibilities include:

• Developing the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which provides direction for school education
• Preparing and publishing NCERT textbooks that are widely used by CBSE and several state boards
• Undertaking educational research and conducting teacher training programmes
• Assisting governments in developing and implementing education policies

NCERT's work extends beyond textbooks to digital learning materials and initiatives aimed at improving access to education. The organisation had also contributed to programmes such as the National Talent Search Scheme (NTSE), which seeks to identify and support academically talented students.

How was NCERT established?

The Government of India established NCERT in 1961, with the organisation formally beginning its operations on September 1 of the year. It was formed by merging several existing educational organisations to create a unified national body dedicated to strengthening school education.

Also read ‘Weaken universities’: Bihar teachers on month-long protest against plan to bring colleges under govt control

The establishment of NCERT came during the post-independence period when India was working towards developing a more organised and uniform education system. The institution was envisioned as a means of establishing common academic standards across the country while taking regional differences into account.

Today, NCERT operates as an autonomous organisation under the MInistry of Education. It provides academic advice to the central and state government on areas including school education, curriculum development and educational policy.