Ayurveda to Enter Schools and Colleges: Government Preparing New Syllabus for Holistic Health Education
New Delhi, September 29, 2025 – Students in India may soon study ancient Ayurveda as part of their regular curriculum. The Government of India has announced plans to integrate Ayurveda into school and higher education, marking a significant step towards promoting traditional knowledge alongside modern learning.
Union Minister of AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, confirmed that both the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) are working together to develop course modules on Ayurveda. These modules will be introduced in schools and universities across the country under health education programs.
Government’s Vision for Ayurveda in Education
According to Minister Jadhav, the inclusion of Ayurveda aims to connect the younger generation with India’s traditional systems of holistic health. “The idea is to make students aware of the principles of wellness and preventive care rooted in Ayurveda. This will help build a more integrated approach towards healthcare in the future,” he stated.
Several states, including Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, have already taken early steps by incorporating aspects of the Indian Knowledge System into their school curricula. The central initiative will now provide a uniform framework at the national level.
Global Recognition and Research Focus
The AYUSH Ministry is actively working to establish Ayurveda on the global stage. To strengthen its credibility, the ministry has emphasized evidence-based research. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), along with other institutions, is conducting high-quality clinical trials to validate traditional treatments.
In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), efforts are underway to set scientific benchmarks for Ayurvedic practices. “We want Ayurveda to be globally recognized not just as a traditional system but as a scientifically validated healthcare model,” Jadhav said.
Integrating Ayurveda with Modern Medicine
One of the government’s key goals is to develop an integrated healthcare model. Jadhav clarified that Ayurveda and allopathy are not rivals but complementary systems. “Through initiatives like the National AYUSH Mission and AYUSH Grid, we aim to bring the best of both worlds together, offering broader and more effective healthcare solutions,” he added.
The Ministry is also deploying doctors in Health and Wellness Centres, particularly in rural and remote areas, to ensure that primary healthcare services reach all sections of society.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Education
Over the past decade, the Ministry of AYUSH has expanded its reach significantly. According to Jadhav, the government has successfully positioned Ayurveda and other traditional systems as credible and accessible healthcare options. Efforts are also being made to establish AYUSH health centers and medicinal gardens across the country under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM).
The new curriculum, once finalized, will not only preserve traditional medical knowledge but also encourage scientific study and innovation in the field. By integrating Ayurveda into mainstream education, India aims to create awareness about preventive healthcare and sustainable living practices among students.
Balanced Development Approach
The minister emphasized that the government’s focus is on balanced and inclusive growth. Each medical discipline, whether modern or traditional, will be given equal importance. The ministry is also investing in research and educational reforms to ensure that all healthcare systems thrive while retaining their unique identities.
Key Takeaway
The government’s decision to include Ayurveda in school and college syllabi highlights India’s commitment to reviving traditional wisdom while aligning it with modern research and global standards. For students, this move means access to knowledge that combines ancient practices with contemporary scientific understanding—preparing them for a future where integrated healthcare could become the norm.
