Chennai: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) will jointly develop textbooks on Ayurveda as part of the government's plan to introduce health education in schools and colleges.

According to official sources, the Centre has decided to make health education a major component of the national curriculum framework at both school and higher education levels. Traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, will be introduced under the broader umbrella of 'AYUSH' (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).

The NCERT, which is responsible for developing school textbooks, and the UGC, which regulates higher education institutions, have begun collaborative work to design and develop the new Ayurveda-based learning materials. The move aims to familiarise students with India's indigenous systems of health and wellness, while also promoting preventive healthcare awareness from an early age.

The Ministry of AYUSH and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) are also involved in the initiative. The ministry is coordinating with pharmaceutical research institutions and experts to ensure that the textbooks are evidence-based and align with global scientific standards.

Officials said the broader goal is to strengthen India's traditional medical systems through systematic education and research while making public health infrastructure more accessible and affordable. The Ministry of AYUSH has tasked NCERT and UGC with developing a curriculum framework that integrates traditional wisdom with modern educational practices.

The collaborative effort marks a step towards institutionalising India's indigenous knowledge systems within mainstream education and enhancing their credibility both domestically and internationally.