Table of Contents
NCERT interviews are NOT casual. They test clarity, pedagogy, research depth, and NCERT mindset.
Section 1: Subject Knowledge Questions
These are straight but deep.
- Explain a core concept from your subject as if you’re teaching Class 10 students
- What are the recent developments in your subject area?
- How does your subject contribute to school education, not just higher education?
- Explain one topic from NCERT textbooks and suggest improvements
Trap: Over-academic answers = rejection
NCERT wants simplicity + clarity
Section 2: Teaching Methodology Questions
Very important for NCERT
- How will you teach slow learners in a classroom?
- What teaching strategies do you use for conceptual clarity?
- How do you assess student learning beyond exams?
- How would you design a competency-based lesson plan?
They want teacher-first, not “research robot”.
Section 3: Research & PhD Questions (If Applicable)
Asked mainly to PhD holders.
- Briefly explain your PhD research in simple language
- How is your research useful for school-level education?
- Why did you choose this research topic?
- Any published papers? Explain one in simple terms
If you sound confused about your own research — you’re done.
Section 4: NCERT-Specific Questions (MOST CRITICAL)
Many candidates fail here.
- What is the role of NCERT in Indian education?
- Difference between NCERT and CBSE
- Why do you want to join NCERT instead of a university?
- How can NCERT textbooks be made more student-friendly?
- What changes would you suggest in current NCERT curriculum?
Golden Rule:
Always align answers with:
- Inclusivity
- Conceptual learning
- National Education Policy (NEP)
- Student-centric approach
Section 5: Personality & Situation-Based Questions
- Why should NCERT select you?
- How do you handle disagreement with senior faculty?
- Describe a classroom failure and what you learned
- How will you contribute beyond teaching?
Confidence + honesty > memorized answers
Brutal Truth (No Sugar-Coating)
Most candidates fail because:
- They speak like college lecturers, not NCERT educators
- They ignore school-level pedagogy
- They don’t understand NCERT’s mission
NCERT is NOT a university.
If you answer like it is — you’re out.
Pro Tip to Crack NCERT Interview
Before interview:
- Read NCERT textbooks (Classes 6–12) related to your subject
- Prepare 1 demo topic like you’re teaching school students
- Practice explaining your research in 60 seconds