NCERT New Subjects 2025-26: NCERT To Teach Theater, Art, Music And Drama Now Compulsory From Class 8

NEP 2020: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced a transformative change in its curriculum, making Theater, Music, Drama, and Visual Arts compulsory subjects for students starting from Class 8. This significant move, effective from the academic session 2025-2026, is a direct implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

This initiative aims to foster a more holistic and well-rounded educational experience for young learners, emphasizing creative expression alongside traditional academic disciplines.

This shift means that "Art" will no longer be an optional subject. As per an announcement on NCERT's official X.com (formerly Twitter) account, students will now have to pass these subjects to be promoted to the next class, signifying their importance in the overall academic assessment. This integration ensures that creative arts are given the same academic weight as other core subjects, encouraging students to explore and develop their artistic talents.

To facilitate this new curriculum, NCERT has launched "Kriti," a dedicated Art textbook specifically designed for Class 8 students. This textbook will serve as the primary resource for teaching visual and performing arts, providing structured content to guide students through the fundamentals of theater, music, and drama. "Kriti" is expected to be a cornerstone in nurturing imagination and creativity in the classroom.

Also Read: Telangana Schools And Colleges To Remain Closed On Monday Due To Bonalu Festival

New Textbooks Launched:

In addition to "Kriti," NCERT has also introduced several other new textbooks for both Class 8 and Class 5, further enriching the educational materials available. These new books align with the updated curriculum framework and aim to provide comprehensive learning experiences across various subjects.

These new textbooks are part of NCERT's ongoing efforts to update the curriculum in line with NEP 2020, which advocates for a flexible and multidisciplinary approach to education. By introducing these subjects and making art compulsory, NCERT aims to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness among students from an early age, preparing them for a diverse and dynamic future. This comprehensive reform reflects a commitment to nurturing not just academic excellence but also emotional and cultural intelligence.

Also Read: NCERT Launches New Textbooks Aligned With New Education Policy 2020 For Classes 5 And 8