Beyond textbooks: Mizoram schools to embrace project-driven education

Mizoram is set to overhaul its school education model by replacing rote memorization with an experience-based curriculum aligned with national reforms.

State Council of Educational Research and Training Director Caroline Zoramthangi said the revised framework follows the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023, shifting the focus from memorization to holistic and competency-based learning.

New textbooks for Classes 1, 2, 3, and 6 will be introduced in the 2026-27 academic session. The books have been finalized and are being printed by the State Printing and Stationery Department. Textbooks for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 will follow in 2027-28.

Caroline said the updated curriculum will emphasize illustrations, drama, field visits, and project-based activities to promote critical thinking and experiential understanding.

Mathematics and Science will be linked more closely to real-life applications to make learning practical and relevant.

“In line with NEP 2020 and NCF 2023, education must be holistic. Instead of merely measuring a child’s knowledge level, the focus will shift to physical, emotional, moral, and spiritual development. Learning will be child-centric and enjoyable for students, who will engage in project work,” she said.

Alongside curriculum changes, the government will introduce standardized annual examinations for Classes 5 and 8 across 770 state-run and aided schools.

Students will answer uniform, competency-based question papers designed under NCF 2023 guidelines. Results will be centralized and analyzed by SCERT to assess learning outcomes statewide.

“The education minister aims to achieve quality education through assessment reform and has taken proactive steps in this direction. Questions will now be competency-based, developed entirely in accordance with the NCF 2023,” she said.

The reforms are also intended to strengthen Mizoram’s performance in national-level competitive examinations.

Separately, School Education Minister Vanlalthlana recently announced that the Mizoram Board of School Education will discontinue publishing merit lists, ranks, distinctions, and divisions for Classes 10 and 12 from this year.

The decision aims to reduce high-stakes competition and encourage competency-based evaluation.