n a significant move to make education more accessible and affordable, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently announced that NCERT textbooks will cost less starting in 2025. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on students and their families, ensuring that education remains accessible to all.
In the next academic year, NCERT will publish 15 crore quality and affordable books….currently it publishes nearly 5 crore textbooks. Earlier there have been concerns about demand and supply issue about the textbooks, however, that will be addressed now,” Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters.
Additionally, the government plans to introduce new NCERT textbooks for classes 9-12 by 2026, which will align with the updated National Curriculum Framework (NCF). These revisions promise to provide students with more modern and engaging learning materials that are in line with current educational practices.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
- Affordable Textbooks Starting 2025: The cost reduction in NCERT textbooks will take effect in 2025, making them more budget-friendly, especially for students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This step is a part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that high-quality educational resources are within everyone’s reach.
- New Textbooks for Classes 9-12 by 2026: Students in higher secondary education will see an overhaul of their textbooks by 2026. These new textbooks will reflect the latest updates in education policy and emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical learning, equipping students with the skills needed in today’s world.
- Alignment with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF): The updated textbooks will be designed in alignment with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which focuses on a holistic, student-centered approach to learning. The NCF aims to foster creativity, analytical thinking, and real-world skills in students, providing them with a comprehensive educational experience.
Why This Move is Important
The decision to lower the price of NCERT textbooks and introduce updated learning materials for classes 9-12 comes in response to the growing need for affordable, high-quality educational resources in India. The move aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on ensuring that education is inclusive, accessible, and in line with global standards.
By reducing the financial burden of textbooks, the government is helping to make education more equitable. The shift towards modernized textbooks also reflects the country’s commitment to fostering a more innovative and practical approach to learning.
Globally, many educational systems are embracing similar reforms to make textbooks more accessible and relevant. For example, in countries like the United States and several European nations, textbooks are being revised to keep pace with changes in educational methodologies and global challenges. This global trend toward improving affordability and modernizing learning materials demonstrates a shared goal to make education more inclusive and effective for students worldwide.
Benefits of These Changes
- Affordable Education: The reduction in the cost of NCERT textbooks will make it easier for students, especially those from economically weaker sections, to access the resources they need. This ensures that education remains a right, not a privilege, for every student across India.
- Engaging Learning Materials: The new textbooks for classes 9-12 will provide a more interactive, student-centered approach to learning. By incorporating contemporary educational methodologies, these books will offer a more engaging experience, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and other essential skills needed in the modern world.
- Comprehensive Education: The new textbooks will better align with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that includes not just academic knowledge but also the development of skills like creativity, collaboration, and analytical thinking.
