Sanjay Maurya
NEW DELHI: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Friday released a new science textbook for Class IX, to be introduced from the 2026-27 academic session, integrating contemporary science with India’s traditional knowledge systems and highlighting the contributions of Indian scientists and institutions like Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Mumbai, and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
The 13-chapter textbook, titled Exploration, replaces the previous book first published in 2006, which originally had 15 chapters and was later reduced to 12 after rationalization in 2022.
In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, the new book emphasizes inquiry, experimentation, data analysis and real-world application, marking a shift away from rote learning, said an NCERT official familiar with the development.
The introductory class introduces students to scientific methods, concepts, and language used in high school science.
Basic themes such as cells, tissues, motion, mixtures, force, work, energy, atoms, and sound have been retained through revised framing. However, the separate chapters on gravity and improving food resources have been removed.
“We will introduce classes on gravity and agriculture-related concepts in Class X next year in line with the continuity of science books aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. Students currently in Class IX will study these concepts in Class X,” the official said.
The textbook adds a chapter on ‘Reproduction: How Life Goes On’, which was previously taught in Year 10, and covers plant and human reproduction, menstruation, hygiene, and prevention of unwanted pregnancy.
It also brings back chapters on the diversity and taxonomy of plants and animals, and the Earth as a system, which were deleted during the previous rationalization.
Students are introduced to Indian scholars such as CV Raman, Meghnad Saha and Homi Jehangir Bhabha. The book also includes references to traditional knowledge. For example, he refers to the concept of speed in Aryabhatya (5th century AD), the traditional dig-bhabkha distillation method used in Kannauj perfumery, and Acharya Kannada’s concept of paramanu from the Vaisesika Sutras, along with real-life examples and activities to enhance experiential learning.
“Exploration aligns with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 by promoting experiential and inquiry-based learning… It enhances a comprehensive understanding of science and highlights the interrelationship between science, technology and society,” NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani wrote in the introduction.
