What is NCF-FS and why does it matter to pre-primary teachers?

By APTTI Educational Content · Updated 2026-10-10 · 2 min read

NCF-FS is the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage, released by the Ministry of Education and NCERT in October 2022. It sets out learning goals, teaching approaches, assessment methods and classroom environments for children aged 3 to 8. It is the main curriculum reference for pre-primary teachers in India under NEP 2020.

What this means in practice

The framework favours play, conversation, stories, music and toys over textbooks and written tests, and it describes how to plan the day, set up the classroom and involve families.

Key ideas in the framework

Learning through play and 'panchakosha' holistic development
Use of the home language and multilingual classrooms
Assessment by observation and samples of children's work, with no tests or exams
A balanced daily schedule with free play, guided activities and outdoor time
Partnership with parents and communities

How to use it in a private pre-school

Even if your school follows its own syllabus, the framework is a useful check: are children playing every day, talking a lot, moving, and being assessed through observation?

The daily schedule NCF-FS suggests

The framework suggests a balanced day rather than a timetable of subjects. A typical pre-school day includes a welcome and free conversation, circle time, a mix of free play and guided activities in learning corners, outdoor play, a meal or snack, story and music time, and a calm wrap-up. It encourages long blocks for free play, regular outdoor time and flexibility when children are deeply engaged. Comparing your own timetable against this model is one of the quickest ways to see whether your classroom is genuinely play-based or still dominated by worksheets and copying.

Practical next steps

Download the framework from NCERT.
Read the chapters on daily schedule and assessment first.
Compare your timetable with the suggested schedule.
Share the parent-partnership ideas with your school head.

ExampleSunita, a play-school owner in Jaipur, used the NCF-FS daily schedule to reorganise her day into circle time, free play, a guided activity and outdoor play.

What to keep in mind: The framework is guidance, and boards and states adapt it. Check whether your school follows CBSE, a state board or an international curriculum.

Common follow-up questions

Is NCF-FS compulsory for private pre-schools?

It is the national framework; CBSE and many states expect schools to align with it, but private pre-schools vary.

Does NCF-FS allow homework?

It discourages formal homework and written tests in the foundational stage.

Sources

Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.