NCERT Faces Challenges in Supplying New Class 9 Textbooks Amid Rising Costs
NCERT scrambles to supply new Class 9 textbooks
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has printed only 3 million of the 15 million targeted Class 9 textbooks as of April 2026, prompting increased printing efforts. Meanwhile, parents express concerns over high costs of private textbooks in CBSE schools, with bundles costing up to ₹10,000 ($120 USD).
- 01NCERT has printed only 20% of its target for Class 9 textbooks.
- 02Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is overseeing efforts to improve supply chains.
- 03Digital textbooks are available via e-Pathshala as a temporary solution.
- 04Parents are facing financial strain due to high costs of private school textbooks.
- 05The NHRC is investigating the role of NCERT in textbook prescription.
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As of April 2026, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has printed and sold only 3 million copies of the new Class 9 textbooks, which is just 20% of its goal of 15 million. This shortfall comes nearly a month after the academic session began on April 1. In response, NCERT is ramping up printing efforts to meet the target by May 31, 2026. The textbooks align with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, covering subjects such as Hindi, English, and science, but the social science textbook is still pending release.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed officials to enhance supply chains and monitor distribution closely. As a temporary measure, digital textbooks are available through e-Pathshala to ensure learning continuity. Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns about the high costs of textbooks from private publishers, which can range from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 ($36 to $120 USD), significantly impacting parents financially. The NHRC has requested clarification from the education ministry regarding the role of NCERT in textbook selection and the mandate of examination boards.
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The shortfall in NCERT textbook supply may lead to increased reliance on costly private textbooks, straining family budgets.
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