Archive · 2 Dec 2025
Darwin Theory Row: Evolution Still in School Science Curriculum
The Indian government has said that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is still part of the school science curriculum.
This comes after some people were worried because it was not included in the Class 10 textbook.
The Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, explained in Parliament that evolution is taught from middle school to secondary school.
However, many scientists and teachers are still concerned because the theory is not explicitly mentioned in the Class 10 books.
They think it's important for students to learn about evolution early to understand science better.
The government has not yet said if they will put the theory back in the Class 10 textbook.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan clarified that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is still part of the school science curriculum.
The clarification came in response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha by DMK MP Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy.
The minister stated that evolution is taught from middle school to secondary school as part of a continuous learning process.
Scientists, educators, and civil society groups have criticized the omission of evolution from the Class 10 NCERT textbook.
The government has not specified if the decision will be reviewed or if the theory will be reinstated in the Class 10 syllabus.
- Who
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and DMK MP Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy
- What
- Clarification on the inclusion of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in the school science curriculum
- When
- In response to a Starred Question raised in the Lok Sabha
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address concerns over the omission of evolution from the Class 10 NCERT textbook
- Minister
- Dharmendra Pradhan
- MP Raising Question
- Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy
- Curriculum Stage
- Middle to Secondary
- Concerns Raised By
- Scientists, Educators, Civil Society Groups
- Petition Signatories
- Thousands of Scientists