A new curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development will be implemented in state-run Anganwadis from the 2025-26 academic session.
The curriculum — Aadharshila, Balvatika 1, Balvatika 2, and Balvatika 3 — has been designed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) for children aged 3 to 6 years.
As part of the initiative, Anganwadi workers and supervisors will be provided with essential guidebooks, training material, and other resources during training sessions conducted by SCERT.
According to a government resolution issued by the School Education Department, educational literature including activity workbooks, comprehensive progress books, and supplementary learning materials will be piloted in selected Anganwadi centers. The impact of the curriculum will be assessed after a year, and further action will be taken based on the findings.
Diploma and Certificate Courses for Workers
In line with the NEP 2020, Anganwadi workers who have completed Class 12 will be offered a six-month certificate course, while those with education below Class 12 will undergo a one-year diploma program. These courses will be conducted by SCERT. The Department of Women and Child Development will provide SCERT with details of the eligible workers. Furthermore, workers will receive regular annual training under the new curriculum through joint efforts by the department and SCERT.
Anganwadis Serve 3 Million Children
Currently, 1,10,631 Anganwadi centers are operational across the state under the Department of Women and Child Development, catering to nearly 3 million children aged 3 to 6 years. All these centers will be geo-tagged for better monitoring and service delivery.
Under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, Anganwadi workers provide services such as supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-ups, early childhood education, and nutrition education.
The new curriculum has been developed by integrating the state’s curriculum framework with the Aadharshila curriculum prepared by the central ministry.
Effective Use of ‘Magic Pitara’ and ‘E-Pitara’
To enhance learning, Anganwadi workers and supervisors will be regularly encouraged to make effective use of supplementary resources like the ‘Magic Pitara’ and ‘E-Pitara’ provided by the Education Department.
This curriculum reform marks a major step toward strengthening foundational learning and holistic development among preschool children across the state.