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NCERT Launches New Textbooks for Classes 5 and 8 Based on NEP 2020
NCERT Launches New Textbooks : The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has officially launched new-generation textbooks for Classes 5 and 8 as part of the progressive rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These textbooks are developed in accordance with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and are now available for the academic session 2025–26.
Implementing NEP 2020 Through Curriculum Reform
NEP 2020 envisions a learner-centric, flexible, and skill-oriented education system that moves away from rote learning and exam-focused instruction. In line with this, NCERT is phasing out old textbooks and replacing them with modern, interactive, and experiential learning materials.
Previously, new NEP-based textbooks were introduced for Classes 1, 2, 3, and 6 during 2023 and 2024. In July 2025, this implementation expanded to include Classes 5 and 8.
📘 List of New NCERT Textbooks for 2025–26 Academic Year
🔹 Class 8 Textbooks (Launched in July 2025):
- Jigyasa – Science Textbook: Focuses on curiosity-based learning, real-life applications, and scientific inquiry.
- Kaushal Bodh – Vocational Education Textbook: Promotes hands-on learning, skills training, and entrepreneurship.
- Malhar – Hindi Textbook: Introduces literature and expression through poems, stories, and dialogues.
- Poorvi – English Textbook: Encourages reading, communication, and comprehension through relatable content.
- Kriti – Art Textbook: Offers activities in drawing, craft, and creative exploration aligned with integrated arts education.
🔹 Class 5 Textbooks (Launched in July 2025):
- Veena – Hindi Textbook: Designed to strengthen foundational language skills with illustrations, stories, and activities.
- Santoor – English Textbook: Blends stories, poems, and writing practice to develop linguistic confidence.
These books are based on the 5+3+3+4 curricular structure defined by NEP and have been prepared by expert committees consisting of teachers, educationists, and subject specialists.
🎯 Key Features of the New NCERT Textbooks
- Aligned with NEP 2020 & NCF-SE 2023
- Activity-based and experiential learning modules
- QR code-enabled access to digital content via DIKSHA
- Use of local context, Indian culture, and multilingual integration
- Interactive, story-driven chapters with concept clarity
- Environment and gender-sensitive material
- New structure of assessments and learning outcomes
📦 Availability & Purchase Information
Though these textbooks are not yet widely available in offline bookstores or on NCERT’s official website, they are:
- Listed on Amazon.com for viewing and pre-order by schools and individuals.
- Expected to be made available on the NCERT official portal (ncert.nic.in) and the ePathshala app for digital access by the end of July 2025.
- Full-scale physical distribution of textbooks is expected across Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and CBSE-affiliated schools starting August 2025.
🏫 Why These Textbooks Matter: Transforming Indian Classrooms
The revamped textbooks are part of a broader national mission to:
- Revamp pedagogy
- Promote skill-based and inquiry-driven education
- Bridge learning gaps post-pandemic
- Make school education more inclusive and relevant
According to Ministry of Education sources, these textbooks represent a paradigm shift—from content-heavy chapters to child-friendly learning environments. For instance:
- “Jigyasa” introduces science through questions and experiments.
- “Kaushal Bodh” gives students early exposure to vocational skills like agriculture, digital tools, and repair services.
🧑🏫 Feedback from Educators and Students
Pilot feedback from early adopters in Kendriya Vidyalayas suggests:
- Students are more engaged and curious.
- Teachers report ease in integrating classroom discussions and projects.
- Assessment methods now test understanding, not memory.
📅 Future Rollout Plans
NCERT is expected to release new NEP-aligned textbooks for:
- Class 9 and Class 11 in 2026
- Classes 4, 7, 10, and 12 in 2027
This phased introduction ensures proper teacher training, curriculum planning, and infrastructure updates across schools nationwide.
✅ Conclusion
With the launch of NEP-based textbooks for Classes 5 and 8, India is taking another strong step towards building a learner-centric, skill-enhanced, and inclusive education system. These textbooks are not just educational materials—they are tools of transformation, encouraging students to become curious thinkers, responsible citizens, and future-ready individuals.
As we enter the 2025–26 academic year, these books serve as a beacon of the evolving Indian classroom—rooted in values, powered by innovation.
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