Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has introduced elements of ayurveda and yoga into the environmental science syllabus for Classes IX and X, as part of newly developed resource material aimed at strengthening the ICSE curriculum at the secondary level. The move is designed to make the subject more engaging while broadening its conceptual scope.
Aligned with the framework of National Education Policy 2020, the updated material places emphasis on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), which encompass traditional disciplines spanning science, philosophy, arts and culture. Within this context, Ayurveda has been incorporated as a system of healing rooted in natural remedies and plant-based treatments, while Yoga has been positioned as a holistic discipline linked to overall well-being rather than just physical exercise.
The revised curriculum also introduces a structured focus on medicinal plants, including reference tables detailing both Indian and global varieties along with their applications. In addition, it continues to cover core environmental themes such as biodiversity, ecosystems, and water conservation, alongside broader discussions on sustainability.
Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive and Secretary of CISCE, indicated that the resource material has been designed to support educators in delivering environmental science as a more interactive and impactful subject. He added that, in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, the content integrates a wide range of topics, from the social and economic implications of unsustainable development to the effects of the Triple Planetary Crisis. At the same time it maintains a structured progression to encourage critical thinking and environmental awareness.
School leaders have responded positively to the update. Mousumi Saha, principal of National English School, noted that while yoga is already practised in schools, its inclusion in the academic syllabus is likely to increase student engagement. Rodney Borneo of St Augustine’s Day School described the move as a step towards more experiential learning, while Sujoy Biswas from Rammohan Mission School highlighted the growing relevance of traditional Indian knowledge systems within modern education.
This change reflects a broader shift towards integrating cultural knowledge with contemporary environmental studies, offering students a more layered understanding of sustainability and wellbeing.
