Date: 30–31 October 2025
Venue: NCERT, New Delhi
Organised by: Department of Teacher Education, NCERT
Theme: Strengthening SCERTs as Catalysts for Educational Transformation – Towards Collaborative Excellence
Inaugural Highlights & Morning Sessions
The conference began with a ceremonial lamp lighting and a warm welcome by Prof. Sharad Sinha, Head of the Department of Teacher Education (DTE), NCERT, who served as the Conference Coordinator. She delivered the inaugural address and moderated the panel sessions, ensuring rich dialogue and cross-state learning.
The morning sessions focused on post-NEP 2020 initiatives led by NCERT, including curriculum reforms, teacher education, and assessment innovations. Eminent professors such as Prof. Ranjana Arora, Prof. Sridhar Srivastava, Prof. B.P. Bhardwaj, and Prof. P.C. Agarwal shared insights on academic leadership, research, and digital integration.
Uttarakhand’s Showcase: ICT for Inclusive Education
Representing
Bandana Garbyal the Director of the Academy of Research and Training, Uttarakhand, R P Badoni from SCERT’s IT Department presented the state’s pioneering ICT initiatives. His presentation highlighted:
AI-powered dashboards for mapping and monitoring the education system
MOOCs at Chatbot innovations and design thinking models for classroom integration
Cost-effective, evidence-based digital tools for teaching and learning
Multilingual content delivery via platforms like DIKSHA
Her session drew interest from participants and panelists, with Prof. Sharad Sinha requesting deeper insights into classroom-level technology integration and its alignment with NEP 2020 goals.
Insights from the Concept Note: Reimagining SCERTs
The Concept Note provided a powerful framework for the conference, positioning SCERTs as:
Academic Leadership Centres guiding DIETs, BRCs, and CRCs
Professional Learning Commons fostering reflective practice and peer learning
Research and Innovation Units driving evidence-based policy
Knowledge and Resource Hubs integrating platforms like DIKSHA, NDLI, and SWAYAM
Under NEP 2020, SCERTs are expected to evolve into autonomous, tech-enabled institutions responsible for:
Developing State Curriculum Frameworks (SCFs) aligned with NCFs
Leading teacher education and CPD initiatives
Reforming assessment systems for competency-based learning
Integrating technology, multilingualism, and local culture into pedagogy
Conducting educational research to inform policy decisions
SARTHAQ 2.0: Operationalising NEP 2020
The SARTHAQ 2.0 framework outlines SCERTs’ five-year roadmap to:
Achieve Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) goals by 2026
Implement Quality Assessment and Assurance Frameworks
Lead systematic teacher capacity building
Establish monitoring and benchmarking systems for accountability
This framework empowers SCERTs to act as agents of systemic reform, linking national policy with state-level implementation.
Implementation Challenges & Strategic Solutions
The Concept Note also identified key challenges faced by SCERTs:
Human Resource Constraints: Lack of standardized cadre structures and limited professional development
Infrastructure Gaps: Shortage of ICT labs, smart classrooms, and research facilities
Fragmented Coordination: Weak linkages between NCERT, SCERTs, and DIETs
Research Deficits: Limited capacity for documentation and innovation
To address these, the conference emphasized the use of Quality Assurance Frameworks and SCERT Benchmarking Tools for structured self-assessment and performance-based planning.
Peer Learning & National SCERT Excellence Network (NSEN)
The conference proposed the creation of NSEN, a collaborative platform for:
Sharing state-level best practices
Facilitating inter-state mentoring and innovation
Institutionalizing 50-hour CPD programs and peer learning sessions
Promoting digital knowledge sharing via repositories and forums
This network aims to transform SCERTs into vibrant Professional Learning Commons, cultivating a culture of excellence and collaboration.
Evening Reflections & Vision for Viksit Bharat
The evening session was graced by Dr. Dinesh Saklani, Director of NCERT, who delivered a visionary address:
“Let us build an ecosystem where students and teachers enjoy education, collaborate meaningfully, and contribute to Viksit Bharat 2030. Let real Bharat’s knowledge system flourish.”
Dinner was offered and hosted by Dr Saklani for all participants, fostering informal dialogue and camaraderie. Prof. Amrandra Behra, Joint Director, CIET, joined the gathering, along with Prof. Bhardwaj, Prof. Srivastava, and Prof. Ranjana Arora, who had actively contributed to earlier sessions.
Key Objectives of the Conference
Review SCERTs’ evolving roles under NEP 2020
Assess progress on SARTHAQ 2.0 implementation
Strengthen institutional autonomy and capacity
Document scalable state-level innovations
Promote inter-state collaboration via NSEN
Develop a roadmap for SCERTs as learning commons
Expected Outcomes
A shared national framework for SCERT transformation
Identification of scalable innovations and best practices
Establishment of inter-state peer learning mechanisms
Drafting of state-specific action plans aligned with NEP 2020
Consensus on monitoring and benchmarking tools
A Collective Leap Forward
This landmark conference reaffirmed SCERTs’ central role in India’s educational transformation. With a clear roadmap, collaborative spirit, and visionary leadership, SCERTs are poised to become the academic backbone of a future-ready education system.
Uttarakhand’s showcase of digital innovation stood out as a model for inclusive, scalable reform. As we move toward 2030, the synergy between policy, practice, and technology will define the next chapter of educational excellence.
