Parliament Question: Removal of Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution from NCERT Syllabus

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 16 ANSWERED ON 01.12.2025 Removal of Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution from NCERT Syllabus *16. Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state

(a) whether the Government has removed the theory of evolution propounded by Charles Darwin from the NCERT Class 10 Science syllabus as part of the curriculum rationalization exercise;

(b) if so, the details of reasons for removing this foundational scientific theory from the secondary school syllabus along with the scientific or pedagogical basis for this decision;

(c) whether the Government consulted with experts in the field of biology, education, and scientific research institutions such as NCERT, CBSE, and the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) before taking this decision and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government is aware of the concerns expressed by scientists, educators and civil society regarding the dilution of scientific education in school curricula, if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government proposes to review this decision and reinstate the study of evolution at the secondary level in order to ensure scientific literacy and critical thinking among students; and

(f) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

(a) to (f) A statement is laid on the Table of the House. *****STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 16 ANSWERED ON 01.12.2025 ASKED BY DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY, HON’BLE MP (LS) REGARDING ‘REMOVAL OF CHARLES DARWIN’S THEORY OF EVOLUTION FROM NCERT SYLLABUS’

(a) to (f): The teaching-learning process in Science is a continuum from middle to secondary stage and the Theory of Evolution propounded by Charles Darwin is a part of School Science Curriculum.

However, during the COVID as well as post-covid periods, concerns related to curriculum load, based on the multi-stakeholders participation including the Parliamentary Standing Committee, were raised. In view of the multi-level inputs, from different stake holders like Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) as well as experts from colleges, universities and research institutions, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) undertook an exercise to rationalise textbooks across stages and subject areas in the larger interest of the students and teachers.

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