How Does API Integration of NCERT Content Power Digital Learning

Why NCERT Content API Integration?

Content, including textbooks and resources by NCERT, defines India’s school curriculum and state boards and CBSE follow it and draw from it. For various schools, edTechs, and hardware companies developing, delivering and updating quality content effectively and at scale is a challenge.

API Integration is a simple and seamless process with the right technology framework to source K12 NCERT and other state board content. It is also a cost-effective process. 

There are several use cases here:

• Setting up Digital learning in classrooms, personal devices of students and teachers 
• Enabling teacher and student apps, mobile apps, and learning platforms with structured and comprehensive NCERT content
• Powering up the learning of students enrolled on programmes in coaching institutes
• Enabling Digital Libraries and ICT Labs of social sector interventions with NCERT content

Let’s dig deeper into what an API integration is and how it works.

What Is an API and How Does It Work in Edtech?

Understanding APIs

In simple terms, an API (Application Programming Interface) is a pathway that lets two software systems communicate, and send and receive data. In Education, this means one can receive content from a content repository source. 

Let’s Examine a Real-World Use Case

Say you’re building an application for Class 11th Science. You have other content, but you require simulations that explain concepts in every NCERT chapter. Instead of creating these, you can source them through an edtech partner without having to format and upload simulations for all chapters manually. Using API, you can fetch the content instantly within your application’s framework and offer it in an always up-to-date and organised manner.

What Are the Various Content Types You Can Access Using API?

Using API integration, you can integrate the following content categories of NCERT/ State board content:

• Curriculum Textbooks (ebook/ pdf format)
• Animated Videos 
• Chapter-wise Practice Modules and Tests
• Notes 
• Audiobooks
• Simulations

These can be filtered and delivered by class, subject, chapter and language medium

Benefits of Integrating NCERT Content Using API

1. Alignment Content

Using the API, you can ensure that all your content is aligned with the NCERT/State board syllabus without having to develop content yourself

2. Up-to-date NCERT Content

The content is updated on the go, you don’t have to worry about outdated content based on changes in curriculum and course material. These updates happen in real time.

3. Cost Savings

You save content creation and organisation costs while also saving on the opportunity cost of diverting resources towards content creation.

4. Personalisation

You can add filters such as grade, chapter, language, difficulty level and more so that it is tailored to learners

5. Analytics 

You can track usage of content, learning outcomes and course completion rates

6. Quality Content 

Last but not least, source high-quality content for your teachers and learners, leading to better learning outcomes

How API Integration Works in EdTech

• Authenticate: Your platform will receive API credentials along with secure tokens.
• Request Content: Use RESTful API endpoints to query content based on parameters (e.g., /class/12/science/chapter/3/videos).
• Parse Response: The API responds with structured data: URLs, titles, descriptions, thumbnails, duration, and formats.
• Render Content: The content will be fetched and displayed in the user interface of your learning platform for streaming or downloading.

Who All Uses NCERT API Integration?

• EdTech Companies and K12 LMS providers that offer learning apps, mobile apps or web-based apps 
• Large-scale Government Projects that require digital learning resources
• CSR or NGO Initiatives that run smart classes and ICT  Labs
• Hardware companies that develop interactive panels/ Smart boards bundle their panels with preloaded content
• School ERP Solution providers enabling learning content within systems

Some Points to Consider Before You Get Started

• Quality: It is crucial to have the right partner who has some certification for content structure and quality
• Data Usage & Caching: There may be areas with limited connectivity to the internet. You need to ensure content is preloaded or the right caching is enabled for seamless and continuous access
• Define Curation Logic: You must define how content is mapped by syllabus, topic tags, or learning outcomes.
• Data and Monitoring: You must ensure that the right analytics are available on content usage and, ideally, learning outcomes.

There are specialised companies that provide content and those who enable secure API integration, and you need to choose your partners carefully with due diligence and ensure thorough testing before you move ahead. There are K12 Edtech solution providers, such as iDream Education, that develop and provide NCERT content API integration with a ready technology stack with reporting capabilities. 

Example API Endpoint Call

bash

CopyEdit

GET /api/v1/content/class/6/science/chapter/2?language=english&type=video

Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY

Response:

json

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{

  “title”: “Changes Around Us”,

  “chapter_id”: “SCI-6-CH2”,

  “resources”: [

    {

      “type”: “video”,

      “url”: “https://cdn.ncertapi.com/video/changes_around_us.mp4”,

      “duration”: “6:45”,

      “language”: “English”

    }

  ]

}

Summary

API integration of NCERT content can transform learning experiences at scale. Various organisations and setups, including Government, Private Schools, ERP companies, Coaching institutes and social sector initiatives, can benefit significantly, both from the point of view of learning experience & outcomes and data monitoring and reporting.

If you require a plug-and-play and a ready-to-use solution to integrate NCERT/ Stateboard content in your platform, get in touch with iDream Education today!

FAQs – NCERT API Integration

Q1: Is NCERT content free to integrate via API?

Yes, open source platforms such as DIKSHA provide some content; however, in order to integrate comprehensive and exhaustive content libraries, it is recommended to partner with a trusted and credible content provider such as iDream Education.

Q2: Can this integration be used offline?

Yes, it is possible to integrate NCERT content using the API for offline usage by local caching or SD card-based delivery

Q3: What is the cost of NCERT API Content Integration?

Costs depend upon the quantity of content you want to secure using the API, and generally it is paid upfront based on the no. of users who will access the content

Q4: What formats are supported in NCERT Content API Integration?

Most formats, such as videos, PDFs, audio books, images, assessments, and question banks, are supported 

Q5: Can I get chapter-wise assessments via API?

Yes. It is possible to get chapter-level assessments through API integration of NCERT content by providers such as iDream Education

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