The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is rolling out new and redesigned textbooks for the 2025–26 academic session as part of the changes under NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. These new books focus on skills, understanding, and real-life learning, instead of just memorising answers. Parents, students and teachers are asking two big questions: Is this news real or fake? Are the changes for the current session or the upcoming one? Let’s clear everything step by step. Yes. The news about NCERT textbook updates for the 2025–26 session is 100% genuine and is confirmed by: NCERT’s own documents and advisory on implementing NCF 2023 and updated textbooks. Multiple national news outlets and education platforms: The Telegraph reported that NCERT will introduce new textbooks from the 2025–26 session, starting with specific classes. India Today explained the “5 major changes” in NCERT textbooks for the 2025–26 session and confirmed rollout of redesigned books. NDTV Education listed NCERT changes that students must know before 2026, clearly mentioning updated books for Classes 4, 5, 7 and 8 for 2025–26. ScooNews reported the launch of new textbooks for Classes 5 and 8 for the 2025–26 academic year under NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. So, you are not dealing with fake news. The changes are real, official, and part of a planned multi-year transition. The main reasons behind these changes are: Implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Alignment with National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 Shift from rote learning to competency-based learning – focusing on: NCERT is redesigning textbooks in phases, instead of changing all classes at once. This helps schools, teachers and publishers adjust smoothly. To avoid confusion, here is a timeline of what has already changed and what is coming. NCERT rationalised several textbooks by removing or shortening some chapters to reduce overload. NEP 2020 and NCF 2023 were being developed and finalised. Textbooks were not fully rewritten yet, but adjusted in parts. (This phase laid the foundation for fresh textbooks from 2024 onwards.) From April 1, 2024, NCERT introduced completely revised syllabus and new textbooks for: Class 3 Class 6 These books are based on NCF 2023 and designed according to NEP 2020. For other classes, the syllabus remained largely unchanged in 2024–25. Key points for 2024–25: New textbooks for Classes 3 and 6 were made available in print and online. There were some delays and shortages in markets, reported from different cities, when sessions started. For the academic session 2025–26 (which, in most CBSE schools, started around April 2025), NCERT expanded the new curriculum to more classes. According to India Today, NDTV, ScooNews and other education portals: Updated / redesigned textbooks introduced for: Class 4 Class 5 Class 7 Class 8 NDTV specifically mentions that these come after new books for Classes 1, 2, 3 and 6 were rolled out earlier, meaning: By 2025–26, Classes 1 to 8 are broadly covered under the new curriculum framework, with freshly structured content and layouts. Some platforms and notices also refer to updated NCERT Class 6 books marked for 2025–26, confirming they are aligned with the revised syllabus. So, for 2025–26, the NCERT textbook change is not for a distant future – it is for the current ongoing session (2025–26) in most CBSE/NCERT schools. The transition is not stopping at Class 8. Planned or ongoing future steps include: Classes 9–12 NCERT is working towards new textbooks for higher classes by 2026–27, as reported in multiple education stories summarising the curriculum shift. NCERT is also developing specialised Artificial Intelligence (AI) textbooks for Classes 11 and 12, as confirmed in Parliament and reported by national media. State Boards aligning with NCERT For example, the Himachal Pradesh School Education Board has announced that from 2026–27, Classes 4–6 will use NCERT-designed curriculum and is working with NCERT and PARAKH to train teachers in competency-based evaluation. UP Board is also planning large-scale distribution of NCERT-based books for Classes 9–12 by the 2026–27 session. This shows that NCERT textbook updates are part of a long-term, national-level change, not just a one-year experiment. Based on verified reports and official directions, here are the major changes visible in 2025–26 books: New books focus on “what a student can do” with knowledge, not just what they can memorise. More: Activities Real-life situations Practice questions that test understanding and application. Lessons now include: Local stories, regional cultures, Indian scientists and thinkers Topics from Indian Knowledge Systems, traditional practices, and contemporary India. This makes the content more relatable for students across the country. In subjects like Environmental Studies, Languages and Social Science, students see: Art-based activities Group work Discussions and projects Art education is made mandatory in many new textbooks, especially highlighted in the new Class 5 and 8 launches. Some content has been: Reorganised Condensed Or shifted between classes The idea is to avoid overload and allow time for deeper thinking and practice. Almost all new books are available as free PDFs on the NCERT website. Many include: QR codes for digital content Links to videos, activities and additional learning resources. Note: Exact implementation may vary slightly between schools, but this is the broad pattern. *Always cross-check your class and subject on the official NCERT textbook portal. Because there are also cases of duplicate/fake NCERT books in the market, CBSE has issued a warning to schools and parents. To stay safe and accurate: Use the official NCERT website for textbooks Go to the official NCERT textbooks PDF page and download books for your class and subject directly. Check for NCERT logo and details Genuine books clearly mention: “Published by National Council of Educational Research and Training” Year of publication / edition ISBN and price Follow your school’s official booklist Always buy books as per school circular / booklist, not random coaching or local lists. Beware of unusually cheap “NCERT” bundles CBSE has asked schools to ensure books come from authorised NCERT channels or approved vendors only. Questions will increasingly test: Understanding Explanation in own words Real-life problem solving Good news: If you study regularly, participate in class and try activities, these books can actually make learning easier and more interesting. Expect textbooks to look different from what you used in school. Focus more on: Concept understanding Discussions with children (“why”, “how”) Less on blindly memorising long answers. Lesson planning will need: Activities and projects Use of digital content NCERT, CBSE and state boards are conducting orientations & workshops to support teachers.Is “NCERT Textbook Updates for 2025–26” Genuine News?
Big Picture: Why Is NCERT Changing Textbooks?
Timeline of NCERT Textbook Changes (Past, Present, and Future)
1. Before 2024: Rationalisation & Preparation Phase
2. Academic Session 2024–25: First Phase of New NCERT Books
3. Academic Session 2025–26: Major Updates in NCERT Textbooks
4. 2026–27 and Beyond: Higher Classes & State Boards Adopting NCERT
What Exactly Is Changing in NCERT Textbooks for 2025–26?
1. Competency-Based, Not Rote Learning
2. Strong Indian Context and Local Examples
3. Integration of Arts, Values and Skills
4. Reduced Overload, Deeper Understanding
5. Digital-Friendly Textbooks
Class-wise Snapshot of NCERT Changes (Up to 2025–26)
How to Confirm Authentic NCERT Textbook Updates (To Avoid Fake or Duplicate Books)
What Do These Changes Mean for Students, Parents and Teachers?
For Students
For Parents
For Teachers
Competency-based assessment style
