Kamal Ghorui
NCERT Class 9 textbooks: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced through a post on X that Class 9 textbooks are now available online, offering students access to digital versions through its official website. The move comes at a time when several regions across India are reporting shortages of newly introduced textbooks in the open market.Reports indicate that the unavailability of printed books has begun to affect the academic calendar, with students facing delays in starting their coursework. While the online release is expected to ease access for some, concerns remain for those in remote areas where internet connectivity continues to be inconsistent.Textbooks released online through official portalAccording to NCERT, soft copies of the Class 9 textbooks can now be accessed on its official website. The available titles include:0902 – Sanskrit: Sharada0903 – English: Kaveri0904 – Mathematics: Ganita Manjari (English version)0906 – Science: Exploration (English version)0901 – Ganga – Hindi4901 – Jamuna – Urdu0918 – Khel Praveen – Physical Education and Well-beingThe council has stated that students can access these digital textbooks anytime, aiming to make learning more flexible and uninterrupted. For assistance, NCERT has also provided an IVRS helpline number: 8800440559.Reports of shortages disrupt academic schedulesDespite the digital rollout, reports from multiple states suggest that the printed versions of the newly introduced books are not yet widely available in bookstores. This has led to disruptions in classroom teaching and delays in lesson plans.A teacher from a government school in Uttar Pradesh, speaking on condition of anonymity, told TOI Education, “We have received the updated syllabus, but without textbooks, it is difficult to begin structured teaching. Many students are waiting for physical copies.”Similarly, a private school teacher in Maharashtra said, “The online books are helpful, but not all students have regular access to devices. It creates an uneven situation in classrooms.”Students highlight access challenges in remote areasStudents have also reported difficulties in accessing the digital material, particularly in regions with limited internet connectivity. A Class 9 student from a rural area in Bihar said, “We were told the books are online, but internet access is a problem here. Downloading full books is not easy.”Another student from Rajasthan noted, “Some of us are sharing PDFs through mobile phones, but it is not the same as having a book to study from regularly.”Digital access offers partial reliefWhile the online availability is expected to provide immediate support to students with internet access, stakeholders say it cannot fully replace the need for printed textbooks, especially in areas where digital infrastructure remains limited.A school principal in Delhi, requesting anonymity, said, “The initiative ensures that studies do not come to a complete halt. However, for long-term learning, physical books are still essential for many students.”NCERT has stated that students and teachers can continue to raise queries through the helpline or official communication channels as the distribution of printed textbooks progresses.
