IKS to be woven into all disciplines, UGC official says

Indian Knowledge Systems will be embedded across subjects rather than treated as a standalone stream, a senior official of the University Grants Commission said, outlining the next phase of curriculum reform under the National Education Policy.

Speaking at an academic interaction in Vadodara, the official said IKS is meant to deepen conceptual understanding by connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary learning. The focus, they said, is on contextualising ideas in science, technology, humanities, social sciences, and professional courses, so that students see continuity between India’s intellectual traditions and modern scholarship.

The UGC has already issued guidelines encouraging universities to identify natural points within existing syllabi where IKS themes can be introduced. These may range from mathematical concepts and metallurgical practices to philosophy, linguistics, ecology, health systems, architecture, and governance traditions. Institutions have been asked to avoid superficial add-ons and instead build meaningful academic linkages.

Faculty development will be central to the rollout. The commission plans orientation programmes and short-term courses to help teachers design modules, readings, and assessments rooted in Indian knowledge traditions while meeting contemporary academic standards. Universities are also being encouraged to collaborate with scholars, research centres, and practitioners working in IKS-related fields.

The official said the approach aligns with the NEP’s broader aim of flexible, multidisciplinary education. By integrating IKS across subjects, the intent is to nurture critical thinking, cultural awareness, and research aptitude among students, rather than confining traditional knowledge to elective papers.

Several universities have already begun pilot initiatives, revising course outlines and introducing interdisciplinary projects that draw on Indian knowledge frameworks. The UGC is expected to review progress and share best practices with institutions over the coming academic cycles.