In a landmark decision, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is set to introduce a special module on “Operation Sindoor” into the school curriculum for higher classes1. This move aims to educate students about India’s recent and significant military counter-strike, fostering a deeper understanding of national security, strategic response, and patriotism.
NCERT to add special module on Operation Sindoor in curriculum for higher classes@Milan_reports with more details#NCERT #OperationSindoor (@suyeshasavant) pic.twitter.com/8TRFfn8A6S
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) July 26, 2025
What Was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a targeted military response executed by the Indian Armed Forces following a deadly terrorist attack. On April 22, 2025, the Pakistan-based terrorist group, The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, attacked a group of tourists in Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians.
In response to this act and Pakistan’s refusal to curb terrorist networks, India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 7-8, 2025. The operation involved precise, non-escalatory strikes on nine terrorist training camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). The Indian government clarified that the mission was a targeted counter-terrorism action and did not engage any Pakistani military targets.
Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks on over a dozen Indian military installations. These were successfully intercepted by India’s integrated air defense systems.
The NCERT Module: A New Chapter in Education
The special module on Operation Sindoor is currently in its final stages of development and is intended to be a comprehensive educational tool. It is expected to be integrated into subjects like History and Political Science for students from Class 3 to 12, with a particular focus on the higher secondary level5.
Key elements of the module will include:
- Detailed Context The module, planned to be around 8-10 pages, will provide the background, objectives, and strategic planning behind Operation Sindoor.
- Military Prowess It will showcase the operational synergy between India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force, highlighting the nation’s defense preparedness and coordinated military capabilities.
- Strategic Narrative Students will learn about India’s “zero-tolerance” policy on terrorism and its right to self-defense in the face of cross-border threats.
- Real-World Learning The curriculum will move beyond textbook theory to explain a real-world event, aligning with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) which promotes practical and experiential learning.
The Rationale: Instilling National Pride and Awareness
The decision to add Operation Sindoor to the curriculum is driven by a vision to create a more informed and patriotic generation. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan indicated that such additions are crucial for presenting India’s history accurately and fostering a sense of national pride.
This educational initiative is seen as the first time a contemporary military operation will be formally taught in schools across the country. The move follows similar actions at the state level, such as the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board’s decision to include Operation Sindoor in its syllabus to promote patriotism among its students.
Impact and Objectives
The introduction of this module is expected to have a multi-faceted impact on students:
- Fostering Patriotism It aims to instill a profound respect for the armed forces and a strong sense of national pride.
- Inspiring the Youth By narrating the valor of Indian soldiers, the module is expected to motivate young students to consider careers in the armed forces and national service.
- Enhancing Strategic Awareness It will educate students on India’s national security challenges and its firm, calibrated response to acts of terror.
A Forward-Looking Step in Indian Education
The inclusion of Operation Sindoor in the NCERT curriculum marks a significant shift in educational policy. By integrating contemporary events of national importance, the curriculum seeks to create citizens who are not only knowledgeable about historical events but are also aware of the current geopolitical landscape and the nation’s security imperatives. This move is designed to ensure that future generations understand the sacrifices made to protect India’s sovereignty and are inspired by the resolve of its armed forces.
