Academics say measures such as Times Critical Thinking Championship Can encourage Inquiry-driven learning And help schools move beyond memory.Can competition change the way classrooms work? At a time when India’s education system is trying to move beyond rote and test-based learning, this question is becoming increasingly important. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions classrooms that encourage inquiry, discussion, problem solving and experiential learning. Yet, translating these ideas into everyday learning remains one of the biggest challenges facing schools and educators across the country.It is in this context that initiatives like the Times Critical Thinking Championship (TCTC), an initiative by TOI and encouraged by The Times Foundation, are presenting themselves as interventions designed to reshape classroom culture. By emphasizing reasoning, questioning and analytical thinking, the championship aims to make critical thinking a regular part of learning rather than an abstract goal limited to policy documents.TCTC Patron General Naripendra Mishra, Chairman of Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra and former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister described critical thinking as central to nation building. “The strength of a nation lies not only in what its people know, but in how they think. India must nurture a generation that does not accept ideas at face value, but uses critical thinking to examine them with clarity, courage and conviction,” he said.School heads believe that such competitions can gradually affect the learning style of both students and teachers. Pallavi Sharma, principal of Mamata Modern School, said critical thinking is important as it enables students to analyze situations, understand multiple perspectives and make thoughtful decisions instead of memorizing material. According to him, competitions like TCTC encourage students to think creatively, solve problems with confidence, and move beyond textbook-based learning.More importantly, she believes that such initiatives can gradually change teaching methods themselves. “They encourage teachers to move beyond rote learning and adopt more discussion-based, activity-based and inquiry-based teaching methods,” he said. Over time, classrooms become more interactive and engaging, with more emphasis on real understanding rather than just test performance, Sharma added.However, some education experts say that despite repeated policy reforms, classroom practices in India still largely reward memorization on reflection. Ashok Aggarwal, education activist and lawyer, pointed out, “The development of a scientific temper is already enshrined in the Constitution as a fundamental duty, yet questions and inquiries are not consistently encouraged in schools.”A lot of effort is needed to create classrooms where students are encouraged to challenge ideas, ask tough questions and think independently rather than simply regurgitating information during exams, he said. Educators say sustained institutional support, teacher training and assessment reforms will ultimately determine whether such classroom changes are sustained in Indian schools.
