CISCE’s 2027 Activity-Based Curriculum: What Parents and Schools Need to Know

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is set to introduce a revamped, activity-based curriculum for students from kindergarten through class 8, starting with the 2027–28 academic year. This significant reform aims to shift the focus from rote memorization to experiential and joyful learning, blending practical applications with interdisciplinary education to equip students with global skills and real-world problem-solving abilities.

The updated curriculum will retain CISCE’s unique pedagogy while aligning closely with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) guidelines and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Emphasis will be on activity-driven learning across all subjects, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and holistic development. Students will engage with concepts not only theoretically but also through hands-on activities, projects, and problem-solving exercises that link classroom knowledge to everyday scenarios.

CISCE’s curriculum redesign brings an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary methodology to learning, encouraging students to draw connections across various subjects. New subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, and soon Environmental Science will be integrated incrementally to prepare children for emerging technologies and global challenges.

Recognizing that curriculum changes require effective classroom delivery, CISCE is committed to comprehensive teacher training programs. Educators will be equipped to implement activity-based, engaging teaching methods that stimulate curiosity and learning joy.

To further support students and schools, CISCE plans to launch a dedicated digital platform facilitating extracurricular activities, skill-building, and environmental education. This platform will serve as a valuable resource beyond textbooks, leveraging technology to enrich learning experiences.

To strengthen its ground support, CISCE will open a regional office in Bengaluru, benefitting around 400 affiliated schools in Karnataka by providing easier access to council guidance and resources.

In addition to curricular reforms, CISCE will update assessment patterns for board examinations. The focus is shifting toward competency-based questions that test fundamental understanding and application skills, moving away from purely memorization-based evaluation.

Parents can expect a curriculum that nurtures well-rounded learners prepared to meet future challenges creatively and confidently. The active involvement of schools in adopting new teaching methodologies and assessment strategies will be critical for smooth implementation.

Moreover, the emphasis on real-life skills and holistic development echoes global education trends, making CISCE students more competitive and adaptable in the 21st-century knowledge economy.

Overall, CISCE’s 2027 activity-based curriculum represents a forward-thinking transformation, promising to make education more experiential, joyful, and aligned with evolving global standards while maintaining a strong foundation in Indian education values.