The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has reviewed measures to improve school access, reduce dropout rates, and strengthen teacher training during the first meeting of its Minority Cell for the 2026-27 academic session. The meeting was held on October 23 at the North East Regional Institute of Education (NERIE), Umiam, Meghalaya, under the chairpersonship of Prof. Ranjana Arora, Head of the Department of Curriculum Studies and Development (DCS&D).The meeting focused on strengthening inclusive and equitable education across diverse communities. Discussions covered barriers to school access, linguistic diversity, community participation, and the need for further research on minority education.According to an official post by NCERT on X, the meeting brought together experts, representatives of Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs), and Minority Cell members to discuss measures to improve educational opportunities for different communities.
NCERT Minority Cell recommends teacher training, region-specific research
The Minority Cell recommended strengthening teachers’ professional development through NISHTHA and continuing professional development (CPD) programmes. The initiatives are intended to improve teachers’ capacity to respond to the varied educational needs of students and support inclusive classroom practices.The recommendations also included collecting data on minority-run schools to develop a clearer understanding of their educational needs and challenges. Region-specific research was identified as another priority, recognising that barriers to education can differ across geographical areas and communities.The meeting further recommended documenting best practices that could inform education programmes and interventions in different regions. Academic initiatives under NCERT’s Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) programmes were also discussed as a means of advancing research and strengthening educational support.
Focus on school accessibility and reducing dropout rates
Improving access to schooling and addressing dropout rates were among the central priorities discussed at the meeting. The recommendations emphasised the need to identify barriers that prevent children from entering or continuing their education.Addressing linguistic diversity and encouraging community participation were also part of the agenda. These areas are important for making school education more responsive to students’ backgrounds and local circumstances.The emphasis on research and school-level data collection is expected to support a more informed understanding of the challenges faced by minority communities. The recommendations also underline the role of teacher preparation and the sharing of effective practices in improving educational outcomes.
NCERT launches online Diploma course in science teaching
Separately, NCERT has announced an online diploma course in the teaching of Science at the Middle Stage for teachers. The programme aims to strengthen teachers’ understanding of science education and improve classroom teaching practices.NCERT said the course is designed to promote scientific temper, objectivity, critical thinking, skill development and an understanding of scientific methods and processes. It also seeks to nurture students’ natural curiosity, creativity and aesthetic sense.The programme will help teachers understand the nature and role of science, how children learn the subject, and the skills, attitudes and practices needed to support science learning.According to NCERT, the online format is intended to extend professional development opportunities to a larger number of teachers, particularly those with limited access to educational resources and capacity-building programmes.
NCERT science diploma course: Registration dates and fee
Registration for the online diploma course began on October 12, 2026, and will remain open until November 12, 2026. The teaching component is scheduled to commence on November 16, 2026.The registration fee for the course is Rs 2,000. Interested teachers should check NCERT’s official website and course-related notifications for the prescribed eligibility requirements, application procedure and other enrolment details before completing registration.The two initiatives reflect NCERT’s focus on strengthening educational access and improving teaching capacity, while addressing the varied needs of schools, teachers and learners across different communities.
