NCERT introduces chapter on Emergency in class 9 social science textbook, BJP backs move

PTC News Desk: As part of major changes in school education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced the topic of the 1975–77 National Emergency in the Class 9 Social Science syllabus for the first time.

The topic has been added to Chapter 6 of the new Social Science textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond (Grade 9, Part 1). This marks an important change in how modern Indian political history is taught in schools.

Earlier, students mainly studied the Emergency period in Class 12 Political Science, where they learned about its political, constitutional and democratic impact. With the revised syllabus, Class 9 students will now learn about this period much earlier. The move is aimed at helping students better understand India's Constitution, democratic institutions and modern history.

Part of NEP 2020 curriculum changes

The addition is part of NCERT's wider curriculum revision under the National Education Policy 2020, which focuses on making education more practical, multidisciplinary and connected to India's history and constitutional values.

The new Social Science textbook also places greater emphasis on civic awareness, constitutional principles and understanding how India's democracy has developed over time.