Parliament Question: Consideration of AYUSH System of Health Education

**Executive Summary** This document is the response to Unstarred Question No. 2118 in Lok Sabha, answered on December 12, 2025, addressing the consideration of including AYUSH systems in health education in schools. It details the actions taken by the government, through NCERT, to integrate AYUSH principles into school curricula, including the development of textbooks and training materials. The new textbooks have been mandated for approximately 28,000 CBSE schools across India for the academic year 2025-2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Integration of AYUSH in Curriculum:** * NCERT has developed Physical Education and Well-Being textbooks (“Khel Yoga” and “Khel Yatra”) that include yoga. * The National Yoga Olympiad, organized by NCERT since 2016, promotes holistic health. * Science textbooks for Classes VI-VIII incorporate Ayurvedic principles such as Dinacharya, Ritucharya, diet, and health. * The "Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India" textbook for senior secondary students includes a chapter on Ayurveda. * **Implementation and Scope:** * Yoga Olympiad includes students from all States/UTs, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), Vidya Bharati, Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), and four Regional Institute of Education (RIES) of NCERT. * Approximately 28,000 CBSE schools have been mandated to use the new textbooks for the academic year 2025-2026. * State Board schools are integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) content. * **Training and Resource Materials:** * NCERT, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has developed Training and Resource Material on Health and Wellness for school-going children under Ayushman Bharat. * Eleven modules focus on holistic physical and mental wellbeing of adolescent children aged 10-19. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: School Children** * **Impact:** Increased exposure to AYUSH principles, yoga, and holistic health practices integrated into their education, promoting physical and mental wellbeing. * **Action Required:** Engage with the new textbooks and modules, participate in activities like the Yoga Olympiad, and apply the learned principles in their daily lives. **Stakeholder: CBSE Schools** * **Impact:** Required to implement the new NCERT textbooks that integrate AYUSH and IKS content into their curriculum. * **Action Required:** Adopt the new textbooks for the academic year 2025-2026 and train teachers to effectively deliver the integrated content. **Stakeholder: State Board Schools** * **Impact:** Encouraged to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) content into their school education. * **Action Required:** Consider integrating IKS content, adapt curriculum and train teachers accordingly. **Stakeholder: Teachers and Teacher Educators** * **Impact:** They will be the key resource persons disseminating the modules to train school ambassadors on preventing and promotive measures to achieve health and well-being of all students. * **Action Required:** Participate in capacity building programs, train school ambassadors, and implement the modules effectively. **Stakeholder: NCERT** * **Impact:** Plays a crucial role in developing and providing Physical Education and Well-Being textbooks. * **Action Required:** Continue to promote yoga by organising the National Yoga Olympiad. **Stakeholder: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare** * **Impact:** Collaborates with NCERT to develop Training and Resource Material on Health and Wellness for school-going children under Ayushman Bharat. * **Action Required:** Provide support and resources to ensure the effective implementation of the program.

Key Entities Referenced