NCERT Launches Bal Vatika TV and DIKSHA 2.0 on 65th Foundation Day

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) celebrated its 65th Foundation Day on September 1, 2025, unveiling a series of initiatives aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The event witnessed the launch of Bal Vatika TV Channel, DIKSHA 2.0, PRASHAST 2.0, and other tools aimed at inclusive and digital learning for early childhood and school education.

Key Launches and Announcements

1. Bal Vatika – PM eVidya DTH Channel No. 35

Aimed at children aged 3–6 years, this dedicated DTH channel delivers interactive audio-visual content for,

• Foundational literacy and numeracy development
• Support for teachers, Anganwadi workers, and parents
• Alignment with early childhood care and education goals of NEP 2020
• This is part of the PM eVidya initiative, extending digital learning to pre-primary levels.

2. DIKSHA 2.0 – Upgraded Digital Learning Platform

DIKSHA 2.0 introduces AI-powered features and supports multilingual content in 12 Indian languages. Highlights include,

• Structured lessons and adaptive assessments
• Read Aloud, Closed Captioning, and text translation tools
• Performance tracking and personalized learning support
• This revamp positions DIKSHA as a next-gen, accessible digital platform for students and educators alike.

Promoting Inclusive Education

3. PRASHAST 2.0

An enhanced disability screening tool, PRASHAST 2.0 enables early identification of children with disabilities and integrates with,

• UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education)
• APAAR ID (Automatic Permanent Academic Account Registry)
• Swavlamban Card (Disability identity card)

It supports India’s broader inclusive education strategy by facilitating access to services for divyang (disabled) learners.

4. Kitab Ek Padhe Anek

Based on the Universal Design of Learning (UDL), this initiative ensures inclusive textbooks for Classes 1 and 2. These materials are designed to be,

• Accessible to diverse learners, including children with disabilities
• Aligned with NEP’s foundational learning mission

Additional Initiatives

• VR Labs in NCERT Demonstration Schools: Boosts immersive learning through Virtual Reality technology
• PM eVidya Mobile App: Centralized app for multi-format learning content
• Release of Primers: In Hindi, Sanskrit, Ho-Hindi, and Koya, emphasizing linguistic diversity
• Odisha Heritage Book Launch: Utkal Jananinkara Sujogya Santana honors 100 iconic Odia personalities
• Vocational Education Handbook: Released by PSSCIVE to guide implementation under NEP 2020

NEP 2020 Alignment and Future Roadmap

The initiatives reflect NCERT’s five-year journey under NEP 2020, especially in,

• Digital transformation in school education
• Inclusivity and accessibility for all learners
• Curriculum design aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)

The Foundation Day celebrations reaffirm NCERT’s role as a policy-shaping and content-delivering authority in Indian education.