NCERT scrambles to supply new Class 9 textbooks
NCERT has printed only 3 million of the 15 million Class 9 textbooks needed for the 2026–27 academic year, prompting efforts to accelerate printing to meet a May 31 deadline. The new textbooks, aligned with NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023, are available for most subjects except social science and individuals in society. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reviewed distribution efforts and emphasized digital textbooks via e-Pathshala as a stopgap. The NHRC has also intervened, seeking clarity on textbook prescription practices amid concerns over costly private publisher books in CBSE schools.
- ▪NCERT has printed 3 million out of a 15 million target for Class 9 textbooks as of late April 2026.
- ▪The new Class 9 textbooks are aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.
- ▪Textbooks for social science and individuals in society have not yet been released for Class 9.
- ▪Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed improvements in printing, supply chains, and last-mile delivery of textbooks.
- ▪The NHRC has issued notices over allegations that private schools are mandating expensive textbooks from private publishers.
- ▪Digital textbooks on e-Pathshala are being promoted as an interim solution until physical copies are fully distributed.
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NCERT scrambles to supply new Class 9 textbooksNCERT has printed only 3 million of 15 million Class 9 textbooks, prompting increased printing speed to meet the target by May 31.Published on: Apr 29, 2026 4:34 AM ISTBy Sanjay MauryaShare viaCopy link New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has so far printed and sold only 3 million copies of the new Class 9 textbooks—just 20% of its 15 million target—nearly a month after the 2026–27 academic session began on April 1, officials said on Tuesday.
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