In a groundbreaking move, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to include Ayurveda in the science curriculum for Classes 6 to 8. This initiative, rooted in the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, seeks to bridge India’s ancient knowledge systems with modern scientific learning. According to NCERT, the goal is to ensure students develop not just academic understanding but also an appreciation for holistic health, nutrition, and environmental balance. 

For the first time, millions of schoolchildren across India will open their science textbooks to find the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine that has guided healthy living for over 5,000 years.

What Students Will Learn: From Balance to Well-being

The introduction of Ayurveda is not limited to a single chapter; it is a gradual integration across middle school science. Class 6 students will be introduced to Ayurveda’s 20 opposing qualities (known as Gunas), such as hot-cold, light-heavy, and mobile-stable, to understand how these natural properties affect the body and environment. This concept, though ancient, aligns closely with scientific methods of classification and observation. 

Class 8 will take students deeper into practical applications through the chapter titled “Ayurveda: Balance of Body, Mind, and Environment.” Topics like Dinacharya (daily routines), Ritucharya (seasonal regimens), and balanced diets will teach students about preventive healthcare and sustainable living. This is more than just an academic addition; it’s a way to nurture health awareness from an early age. Students will learn that wellness is not only about treating illness but also about maintaining harmony with nature.

The Vision of NEP 2020: Integrating India’s Knowledge Systems

The NEP 2020 emphasizes that Indian education should reflect the nation’s cultural and intellectual heritage while remaining globally relevant. The inclusion of Ayurveda aligns perfectly with this vision. It redefines what science education is, which need not be limited to laboratories and equations but enriched by ancient wisdom that emphasizes interconnectedness. By weaving Ayurveda into the curriculum, NCERT is helping create a generation that values both innovation and tradition. This integration also supports India’s mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by promoting indigenous knowledge systems that have stood the test of time.

Connecting Tradition With Today’s Students

For many students, this change brings learning closer to home. Ayurveda is not a distant concept; it lives in every Indian household, through herbal remedies, dietary habits, and grandmother’s advice on health. When students learn about turmeric’s healing power, seasonal eating, or morning routines for wellness, they’re connecting science with their lived experience. It’s learning that feels familiar yet profound. 

Parents and teachers, too, see this as a chance to bridge generations where ancient knowledge is not lost but shared and celebrated. The inclusion of Ayurveda also promotes mindfulness in education. It encourages students to think beyond textbooks to observe nature, understand their bodies, and make conscious choices about food, rest, and behavior. In a world where lifestyle diseases, stress, and screen addiction are rising, these lessons could make a real difference. They teach children that science is not only about discovery but also about living wisely.

Global Aspirations, Indian Roots

Ayurveda is gaining recognition worldwide as a sustainable, nature-based approach to health. By introducing it in schools, India is not only preserving its heritage but also preparing students to contribute to global discussions on well-being and sustainable living. From wellness tourism to natural medicine research, India’s youth can now find inspiration in their own traditions, turning cultural heritage into innovation. With this move, NCERT has taken a powerful step in blending ancient Indian science with modern education. It is a reminder that progress does not always mean abandoning the past; sometimes, it means rediscovering it. When students learn Ayurveda, they don’t just study an old practice; they learn balance, compassion, and responsibility toward nature. And that, perhaps, is the greatest lesson of all.