Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in India: Evidence, Gaps and Framework for Policy and Practice
Likith R S, Vigneshwaran Subbiah AkkayasamyObjective:
To synthesise global evidence and implementation experiences on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), examine policy and delivery gaps in India, and propose an evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate framework for strengthening CSE implementation.
Methods:
A narrative review with an evidence-informed policy analysis was undertaken using literature identified from Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science, supplemented by policy documents, programme reports, curricular frameworks and reports from national and international agencies. Literature published between 2008 and 2025 was considered. Evidence was thematically organised around CSE content, developmental appropriateness, implementation and teacher preparation, policy frameworks, sociocultural barriers, child protection, digital safety and psychosexual health.
Results:
Global evidence indicates that age-appropriate and culturally relevant CSE can improve sexual health knowledge, promote safer practices, healthy relationships, gender sensitivity and protection from violence. However, international experiences demonstrate persistent challenges related to teacher preparedness, sociocultural resistance and incomplete curriculum coverage. In India, CSE remains fragmented, with interventions frequently concentrated on menstrual health and biological aspects of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Key gaps include limited coverage of consent, relationships, gender, violence prevention, digital safety and child protection. The proposed framework recommends a national core curriculum with contextual state adaptation, developmental progression, structured teacher preparation, specialist support, safeguarding and referral mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, pilot implementation and systematic monitoring.
Conclusion:
India requires a coordinated, rights-based and evidence-informed CSE framework that balances national consistency with contextual adaptation. Strengthening delivery systems and implementation research is essential for sustainable integration of CSE into mainstream education.