India’s Evolution Debate: Why Darwin’s Theory Stayed in School Textbooks
In April 2023, over 4,000 researchers and scientists signed an open letter opposing the supposed exclusion of Darwin's theory of evolution from Indian school science textbooks. The claim caused alarm, leading officials to clarify the curriculum's content.
The controversy started when reports indicated that the theory of evolution had been omitted from NCERT's Class 10 science books. However, the Minister later explained that the topic remained part of the curriculum. The NCERT had undertaken a review to simplify textbooks, considering feedback from various stakeholders.
The review process involved consultations with the CBSE, academics from colleges and universities, and experts from research institutions. This exercise aimed to address concerns about excessive curriculum load, particularly after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the revisions, the theory of evolution was retained as part of a continuous learning progression from middle to secondary school.
The names of the scientists who signed the open letter were not publicly disclosed in available sources. Their protest underscored fears over potential gaps in science education, though officials confirmed no such removal had occurred.
The NCERT's review process adjusted textbooks based on expert input, but Darwin's theory of evolution stayed in the curriculum. The clarification from the Minister resolved the immediate dispute, ensuring the topic remains a key part of science education for Class 10 students.
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