The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) celebrated its 66th Foundation Day in New Delhi on 1 September, 2026.
Union Education Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi highlighted NCERT’s role in transforming school education and called for it to become more innovative, inclusive, research-driven, and future-ready.
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NCERT Foundation Day 2026: Key Highlights
If you are a student, teacher, or parent following the latest NCERT education updates, here are the major highlights from the 66th Foundation Day celebrations.
NCERT’s Role in School Education
According to the Education Minister, NCERT has played an important role in the Indian education system for more than six decades through its textbooks, learning materials, and curriculum frameworks.
He highlighted NCERT’s work under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly in areas such as:
- Holistic development
- Creativity and critical thinking
- Experiential learning
- Competency-based education
National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 were also highlighted.
NCERT New Textbooks and Multilingual Education
One of the key NCERT updates 2026 highlighted at the event was the development of new textbooks for Class 1 to 9.
The Education Minister said that textbooks for Class 1 to 8 were being prepared in all 22 languages (official languages) listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. NCERT is also developing 121 primers in different Indian languages, including 93 tribal languages.
The new textbooks aim to make learning more engaging and relevant while remaining rooted in India's heritage. Indian Knowledge Systems are also being integrated across the textbooks.
NEP 2020 and NCERT Curriculum Changes
The initiatives highlighted during the celebration reflect the focus of NEP 2020 on holistic, experiential, and competency-based learning. NCERT's curriculum framework and new textbooks are part of these ongoing efforts in school education.
AI and Technology in Education
The Education Minister also stressed the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and society.
He called for NCERT to strengthen its research ecosystem and use of technology while ensuring that learners develop skills such as:
- Digital literacy
- AI awareness
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Innovation
The Minister also emphasised the importance of students' mental wellbeing, including appropriate curricular interventions, psychosocial support, and teacher training.
Robotics Learning Centre and Translation Lab Launched
The 66th NCERT Foundation Day celebrations also featured the launch of new facilities aimed at supporting technology-enabled and multilingual education.
These included:
Robotics Learning Centre
The Robotics Learning Centre was launched to support technology-enabled learning.
Translation Lab
The Translation Lab is intended to support education in Indian languages and contribute to the development of educational content.
Upgraded Television Studio
The upgraded Television Studio will support the development of educational content and technology-enabled learning.
The Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Gate No. 2 complex and a theme park at NCERT.
Taking this into consideration, CBSE has also introduced an AI and Computational Thinking Curriculum to strengthen technology-focused learning in schools.
Flora and Fauna at NCERT Coffee Table Book Released
During the celebrations, a coffee table book titled Flora and Fauna at NCERT was also released.
The event further featured an exhibition showcasing NCERT's initiatives across areas such as curriculum framework development, Jaadui Pitara, PM eVIDYA, DIKSHA and eJaadui Pitara.
Important Link
| CBSE To Provide 845+ Virtual Labs and Digital Resources on DIKSHA | CBSE Announces NISHTHA Courses 2026-27 Cycle 1 Enrollment |
Conclusion
Overall, NCERT Foundation Day 2026 highlighted the focus on innovation, AI, multilingual education, research, and future-ready learning. The new facilities, textbooks, and curriculum initiatives reflect efforts to strengthen and transform school education for evolving educational needs.
Source
Official Press Release by Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Education, 01 September 2026: Click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per CBSE, the Education Ministry, and the Government of India.
