In a significant move to elevate the quality of education in Bhutan while preserving national identity, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development has announced that it is aligning the National School Curriculum with Cambridge international standards. Contrary to speculation, the ministry clarified that it is not adopting the Cambridge curriculum wholesale.
Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa said the decision marks an important step toward enhancing Bhutan’s education system to meet global benchmarks, while ensuring that Bhutanese values, priorities, and cultural identity remain at the heart of learning.
“This is the right time to review our curriculum,” said the minister. “We are not replacing our curriculum, but aligning it through a thoughtful and inclusive process.”
The alignment focuses on four key areas: curriculum alignment, professional development, assessment alignment, and monitoring and evaluation. The process began in January 2025 and is being guided by a joint steering committee in collaboration with Cambridge experts.
The globally respected Cambridge curriculum is being used as a reference point, with technical support provided to help Bhutan craft its own framework for key subjects. These include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Dzongkha, and English. The ministry is actively engaging Bhutanese teachers and stakeholders to ensure the new framework is both relevant and locally grounded.
To support the shift, capacity-building programmes for teachers are scheduled for September and October this year. These sessions aim to equip educators with the tools and understanding needed to implement the revised curriculum effectively.
In addition, the review and co-development of textbooks and teaching-learning materials will begin in August 2025 and continue until the end of the year, ensuring that schools are fully prepared for a national rollout.
“The aligned curriculum will be implemented in all schools across Bhutan to promote consistency and equity in education,” said Minister De Thapa. “Our goal is to ensure that every learner gains global competencies while staying rooted in Bhutanese identity.”
The ministry emphasized its commitment to a smooth and inclusive transition, with education quality and national values at the core of the reform.
