Since its introduction by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in 2013 as an optional subject for classes XI and XII, Legal Studies has seen limited adoption in schools. The primary barriers to its wider implementation include a shortage of qualified teachers, insufficient awareness among students, and a lack of supporting infrastructure.
Current Challenges
Despite the subject’s relevance, especially in fostering a legal understanding among youth, it has not been widely adopted. Only a few private schools in Delhi-NCR offer Legal Studies, and these have received positive feedback. The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) recently issued a notice to the Education Department, Delhi (DoE) to assess the subject’s availability, teacher readiness, and textbook accessibility in government schools. This action followed a complaint from Virendra Punj, assistant commissioner of police (Vigilance) and advocate for legal education through his campaign ‘Mission Legal Studies India’.
In April 2024, the DoE approved the introduction of Legal Studies in 29 Delhi schools, out of approximately 1,100. Punj emphasized the urgency of appointing qualified teachers and ensuring textbook availability, stressing that legal education could play a significant role in reducing crime rates.
Faculty Shortage and Curriculum Constraints
Praggya M Singh, Director (Academics) at CBSE, explained that Legal Studies is offered as an elective subject based on demand and faculty availability. CBSE provides digital resources, but the subject is not mandated for all schools. The curriculum, revised in 2022-23, includes relevant legal topics such as the POSH Act 2013, RTI, and Intellectual Property Rights.
However, the subject faces significant challenges due to a shortage of specialized teachers. CBSE’s guidelines require teachers to have qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree in Law or a master’s degree in Political Science or related fields, along with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Master’s Degree in Law (LLM). Many candidates with these qualifications prefer careers in law rather than teaching.
Suman Gupta, Head of School at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya in Delhi, highlighted that Political Science teachers often lack the legal expertise required for this subject. Additionally, there is a general lack of interest among law professionals in school teaching positions.
Recommendations and Future Steps
To address these issues, collaborative efforts between CBSE, education departments, and schools are crucial. Awareness programs and a focused approach to legal education could increase student interest and uptake. Brij Bhushan Arora, PGT Commerce, suggested that converting Legal Studies into a distinct stream, similar to Humanities or Commerce, might elevate its status and encourage more serious consideration of the subject.
Overall, expanding the availability of Legal Studies in schools will require addressing faculty shortages, enhancing student awareness, and ensuring supportive infrastructure. Such measures will help integrate legal education more effectively into the school curriculum, thereby preparing students better for future legal and civic responsibilities.
