Detailed comparison between NCERT books and state government board books

In India, education is a crucial aspect of a child's development, and textbooks play a vital role in shaping their knowledge and understanding.

In 2000, the debate between NCERT and state government board books was significant, with many educators advocating for the use of NCERT books to ensure a standardized level of education across the country. However, others argued that state government board books better addressed regional needs and contexts. Ultimately, the choice between NCERT and state government board books depends on the specific educational goals and priorities of the students and schools.

State government boards in India are autonomous bodies responsible for overseeing and regulating education within their respective states. These boards are established by the state governments to manage and administer education, including curriculum development, textbook publication, and examination conduct. Each state has its own board, such as the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, and the Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education, among others. State government boards play a crucial role in shaping the education system in India, ensuring that it is tailored to the specific needs and goals of each state. They also provide a platform for students to access education in their regional languages and culture, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the education system. By decentralizing education management, state government boards enable more effective governance and decision-making, catering to the unique requirements of their respective states.

State Boards: There are 32 different state boards of education in India. Each state board has its own examination patterns and curricula.

- Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education

- Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad

- Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education

- Andhra Pradesh Board of Secondary Education

- Telangana Board of Secondary Education

- Kerala Board of Public Examination

- Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board

- Odisha Board of Secondary Education

- West Bengal Board of Secondary Education

- Assam Board of Secondary Education

- Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board

- Punjab School Education Board

- Haryana Board of School Education

- Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education

- Bihar School Examination Board

- Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education

- Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education

- Jharkhand Academic Council

- Uttarakhand Board of School Education

- Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education

- Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education

- Arunachal Pradesh Board of School Education

- Nagaland Board of School Education

- Manipur Board of Secondary Education

- Mizoram Board of School Education

- Sikkim Board of Secondary Education

- Tripura Board of Secondary Education

- Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education

- Meghalaya Board of School Education

These state government boards are responsible for managing and administering education within their respective states. Each state has its own board, which provides a platform for students to access education in their regional languages and culture.

NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) books are widely used and respected across the country, known for their comprehensive and well-structured content. On the other hand, state government board books are specifically designed and published by individual state governments, catering to their regional language and syllabus requirements. While both types of books have their advantages, NCERT books are often preferred for their standardized content, which ensures a uniform level of education across the country. In contrast, state government board books may have varying levels of quality and content, depending on the state's resources and priorities. In 2000, the debate between NCERT and state government board books was significant, with many educators and students favoring NCERT books for their comprehensive and authoritative content.

Comparison:

- Both NCERT and state government board books have their strengths and weaknesses.

- NCERT books excel in providing comprehensive and standardized content, while state government board books cater to regional specificities.

- The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual educational goals and priorities.

Evolution:

- Over the years, NCERT has made efforts to include more regional content and languages.

- State government boards have also improved the quality and comprehensiveness of their books.

- Digital resources and online materials have supplemented traditional textbooks.

Other school boards found in India

- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE): The most popular board in India, CBSE is the national-level public and private school board, which is governed by the Union Government of India. CBSE has over 21,000 schools in India and 220 schools in 28 foreign countries affiliated to it.

- Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE): A privately held national-level education board, CISCE is recognized as a non-governmental board of school education by the Indian Constitution. CISCE has over 2,300 schools in India and abroad affiliated to it.

- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS): A national education board under the Union Government of India, NIOS was established in 1989. NIOS aims to provide versatile education to all parts of society, with a motive to increase literacy and enable flexible education.

- Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): An international education board, CAIE is a part of the University of Cambridge and offers examinations and qualifications to over 10,000 schools in more than 160 countries.

- International Baccalaureate (IB): A non-profit academic foundation, IB is recognized by UNESCO and is accessible only to schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate, Geneva. There are currently 185 IB World Schools established in India.

- Private education board: The Indian Board of School Education (IBOSE) is a private education board in India established in 2007. It aims to provide inexpensive education to remote areas of India and is the largest Indian private schooling system.               

The debate between ‘NCERT’ and ‘state government’ board books highlights the need for a balanced approach to education.