logo naukrinama

Concerns Raised Over UGC's Draft Mathematics Curriculum

The UGC's recent draft curriculum for undergraduate mathematics has sparked significant concern among over 900 researchers and mathematicians. They argue that the proposed curriculum is flawed, particularly in its inadequate focus on essential topics like algebra and applied mathematics. The petition highlights the need for more comprehensive coverage of these subjects to ensure the future of mathematics education in India. Additionally, the draft includes elements of traditional Indian knowledge, such as time measurement and historical perspectives on algebra. This controversy raises questions about the direction of mathematics education in the country and its implications for future generations of students.
By Ambika Singh Sep 19, 2025, 12:17 IST
Concerns Raised Over UGC's Draft Mathematics Curriculum

UGC's Draft Curriculum for Mathematics


UGC Draft Mathematics Curriculum: Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) unveiled a draft undergraduate curriculum for nine disciplines, including mathematics, inviting feedback from the academic community. Over 900 mathematicians and researchers have urged the UGC to retract this draft, citing significant flaws that could negatively affect future students.


Insufficient Focus on Algebra

Algebra Not Given Adequate Space
The petition directed to the UGC Chairman highlights that essential topics like algebra, real analysis, and applied mathematics lack sufficient representation in the proposed curriculum.

The petition emphasizes, "Algebra has been overlooked... A minimum of three courses should focus on algebra in the undergraduate syllabus. The future of mathematics, and the broader scientific progress of the nation, is at risk."


Concerns About Applied Mathematics

Neglect of Applied Mathematics
Signatories of the petition have expressed concerns that vital areas of applied mathematics, including programming, numerical methods, and statistics, are either omitted from the core curriculum or inadequately addressed, lacking practical training.

The petition states, "Applied mathematics has been sidelined; programming and numerical methods are not part of the core. Statistics has been condensed into a single course. Subjects like statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence should include practical applications, but this chance has been overlooked."


Inclusion of Traditional Knowledge

Almanac Reading and Auspicious Time Information Included
The UGC's draft also incorporates traditional Indian time measurement (Kala Ganapana), Indian algebra, and the relevance of the Puranas, along with arithmetic and geometry techniques from the Narada Purana.

This draft curriculum aligns with the Learning Outcome-Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, recommending the teaching of the history and evolution of Indian algebra, as well as polynomial division using the Paravartya Yojyeta Sutra, a Vedic mathematics method.


Exploring India's Time-Reckoning Traditions

India's Time-Reckoning Traditions Also Included
The proposed curriculum integrates astronomy, mythology, and cultural aspects, detailing India's time-reckoning traditions. It will explore ancient observatories, the Prime Meridian of Ujjain, and compare Indian Vedic time units (Ghati and Vighati) with contemporary systems like Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and Indian Standard Time (IST).


FROM AROUND THE WEB