Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Mathematicians oppose UGC's math curriculum overhaul
Mathematicians in India are upset about a new plan for teaching math.
They think the plan is old-fashioned and doesn't use modern teaching methods.
They also worry that the plan tries to mix math with Indian traditions in a way that doesn't make sense.
Some experts say this could make both math and Indian traditions look bad.
They want the plan to be more thoughtful and include real discussions about math and its history.
The writers of the article say it's important to have these discussions and to make sure the math curriculum is good for everyone in India.
Mathematicians across India signed a petition against UGC’s draft curriculum framework for mathematics.
Critics argue the curriculum has an antiquarian approach and disconnect from contemporary teaching methods.
The curriculum aims to embed contemporary mathematics within Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), which critics say is ideologically driven.
Historians and scholars highlight the need for careful consideration of the social and historical context of vernacular mathematics.
The article suggests introducing 'Indian' concepts at the cutting edge of the discipline to see their effectiveness in solving emergent issues.
- Who
- Mathematicians across the country, including Amber Habib and R Ramanujam
- What
- A petition against the draft of UGC’s learning outcome-based curriculum framework (LOCF) for mathematics
- When
- The petition was reported on September 20
- Where
- India
- Why
- Mathematicians believe the draft curriculum has an antiquarian approach, disconnect from contemporary methods, and potential repercussions of embedding contemporary mathematics within Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
- Petition Signers
- Mathematicians across the country
- Curriculum Framework
- UGC’s learning outcome-based curriculum framework (LOCF) for mathematics
- Critics
- Amber Habib, R Ramanujam, and others
- Key Concerns
- Antiquarian approach, disconnect from contemporary methods, ideological trial and error
- Historical Researcher
- Senthil Babu D
- Author
- Saumya Malviya, Hindi poet and assistant professor (Sociology) at IIT Mandi