Kamal Ghorui
NCERT new textbooks rollout 2026: The National Council of Educational Research and Training has issued an advisory that outlines the implementation plan of revised textbooks and course content by grades in schools, as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The advisory presents a phase-wise implementation plan for students/schools in the coming academic sessions.Released from its New Delhi office, the advisory confirms that updated textbooks for early and middle classes are already available, while changes for secondary and senior secondary levels will be introduced in stages. The move follows recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.What changes for different gradesAs per the advisory, the textbooks for Grades 1 to 8 have been developed and are now available in printed as well as digital forms. These textbooks are in conformity with competency-based learning objectives as per the revised curriculum framework.For Grade 9, the textbooks are under development, which are expected to be introduced in the 2026-27 academic session. The advisory stated that draft syllabi have been uploaded on the official website of the NCERT for reference purposes.Students in Grades 10 and 11 will continue with existing textbooks during the 2026–27 academic session. The revised textbooks for these classes will be rolled out from the 2027–28 academic year.Guidance issued for teachersThe advisory stated that teachers should focus on strengthening prerequisite learning before introducing the new syllabus and textbooks. This is done to ensure that students are sufficiently prepared for the transition.The schools have also been asked to plan the teaching accordingly so that the learning gaps do not affect the students’ progress.Focus on Smoother TransitionThe NCERT has asked all the stakeholders to take note of the implementation timeline and make the necessary coordination during the transition phase. The importance of the continuity of teaching and learning was also highlighted in the context of the phased manner in which the changes are introduced.The changes are part of the larger curriculum changes that are being implemented as part of the NEP 2020.
