Ayurveda to enter school & college curricula: Minister

In a major move to mainstream India’s traditional knowledge systems, the Union Government is set to integrate Ayurveda into the health education curriculum across schools and colleges. Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced that structured modules on Ayurveda, yoga, and holistic health are being developed to sensitize students to preventive healthcare from an early age.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) are jointly preparing the curriculum, which will emphasize diet, lifestyle balance, and mental well-being. Officials clarified that these modules will complement modern medical studies rather than replace them, fostering awareness of India’s rich healthcare heritage.

The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which encourages the inclusion of Indian knowledge systems in education, and complements the government’s broader push to promote Ayurveda under initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.

Several states, including Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, have already introduced elements of the Indian knowledge system in school education. Experts say the move could strengthen India’s global leadership in traditional medicine, noting that the Ayurveda sector in India is projected to surpass USD 24 billion by 2025, with growing interest in global universities.

Educationists welcome the initiative for promoting preventive healthcare among youth, though some emphasize the need for scientific validation and quality control in teaching modules. Pilot programs in select schools are expected soon, with elective courses planned for higher education, marking a step toward integrating modern science with India’s ancient wellness traditions.