Indian Knowledge Systems

The Indian National Education Policy (NEP), as enacted in 2020, emphasizes the inclusion of IKS into curriculums at all levels of education;[2][3][4] in line with this, the National Credit Framework (NCF) has made it possible for students to earn credit in courses relating to ancient Indian sciences and arts.[5] IKS is also being included under the Vision 2047 for Bharatiya Rasayanasastra initiative.[6] In the 2022-2023 budget, IKS's financial allocation was doubled to ₹20 crore (US$2.5 million).[7]

Under University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, it is advised that 5 per cent of a student’s total credits should be in IKS courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.[8] The UGC aims to train 1.5 million teachers in IKS by 2025,[1] and has launched an online IKS MOOC course.[9]

IKS has also spearheaded and funded certain research initiatives relating to traditional Indian knowledge,[10] such as in relation to agriculture and architecture.[11][12][13]

Vedic mathematics, various shastras such as the Arthashastra, and Indian astronomy will be taught under the IKS initiative.[14][15][16] IKS topics for students taking UG medicine courses will include yoga, meditation, and ayurveda.[14][17][18]

The work of the IKS division is guided by a mission to preserve Indian heritage,[2] apply ancient knowledge to modern problems such as climate change,[21][22] and decolonise Indian education in a way that reduces undue Western influences;[23][24][25] however, some have criticised it along the lines that it may have been introduced to further the political agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[26] Others have urged that IKS courses be made optional so as to not create issues for students who want to take courses that are better for their employment prospects.[27] Another criticism is that an over-emphasis on indigenous knowledge may bias students against useful Western knowledge.[28]