**Executive Summary**
The document addresses Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 16, answered on December 1, 2025, regarding the removal of Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution from the NCERT Class 10 Science syllabus. The Minister of Education clarifies that the theory remains part of the School Science Curriculum. The rationalization exercise was undertaken by NCERT in the larger interest of the students and teachers due to concerns regarding curriculum load.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Question Posed:**
* The Government was asked about the removal of Darwin's Theory of Evolution from the NCERT syllabus, the reasons behind it, consultations with experts, awareness of concerns from scientists/educators, and potential reinstatement of the study of evolution.
* **Minister's Response:**
* The teaching-learning process in Science is a continuum, and the Theory of Evolution remains part of the School Science Curriculum.
* **Curriculum Rationalization:**
* Concerns about curriculum load were raised during and after the COVID pandemic.
* NCERT undertook an exercise to rationalize textbooks across stages and subjects.
* The process involved multi-stakeholder participation, including the Parliamentary Standing Committee, CBSE, experts from colleges, universities, and research institutions.
* The aim of the rationalization was to act in the best interest of students and teachers.
**Impact Analysis**
**NCERT**
* **Impact**
* NCERT undertook the exercise to rationalize textbooks.
* **Action Required**
* NCERT has to continue monitoring curriculum load and make required adjustments.
**Students and Teachers**
* **Impact**
* The curriculum rationalization directly affects students and teachers.
* **Action Required**
* Continue to teach and learn Darwin’s theory of evolution as part of the school science curriculum.
**CBSE**
* **Impact**
* The CBSE, as a stakeholder, was involved in the rationalization process.
* **Action Required**
* Follow the rationalized curriculum.
**Parliamentary Standing Committee**
* **Impact**
* The Parliamentary Standing Committee participated in the multi-stakeholder consultation.
* **Action Required**
* Follow-up on the monitoring of curriculum load.
Key Entities Referenced
NCERT Class 10 Science syllabus: The specific syllabus from which the theory of evolution was considered for removal.
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT): The primary body responsible for rationalizing textbooks.
Theory of Evolution: The scientific theory that was considered for removal from the NCERT syllabus.
Ministry of Education: The government body responsible for education policy.
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE): Stakeholder considered as experts from colleges, universities and research institutions.
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.
*****