NEW DELHI: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has so far printed and sold just 3 million copies of new class IX textbooks — just 20% of its target of 15 million — barely a month after the 2026-27 academic session began on April 1, officials said on Tuesday. The printing speed has been increased to achieve the target by May 31, they added.
In line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, NCERT has so far released the Class IX textbook for Hindi, Sanskrit, English, Science, Mathematics, Arts Education, Vocational Education and Physical Education. The textbook for social sciences and individuals in society has not yet been published. It has issued new textbooks for grades one to eight in previous school years.
“NCERT intends to print approximately 1.5 lakh crore new textbooks for Class 9. Of this, 30 lakh books have been printed and sold. The printing speed has been increased to print 1.5 lakh crore books by May 31, 2026,” an official told HT, requesting anonymity.
Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday reviewed the availability, printing and distribution of NCERT textbooks for the ongoing academic session. The Ministry of Education said in a press release that it directed officials to strengthen supply chains, increase printing capacity when necessary, and closely monitor last-mile delivery.
“Pradhan also highlighted the availability of digital textbooks through e-Pathshala as an interim measure to support uninterrupted learning until the physical copies reach all students,” the ministry said.
Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on April 15 issued notices to the Union Ministry of Education, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and all states and union territories (UTs) over allegations that private schools are prescribing expensive books from private publishers. The NHRC has asked the education ministry to clarify the role of authorities like NCERT in prescribing textbooks by April 30, and whether examination boards have any mandate at the primary level.
On April 15, HT reported concerns over the rising cost of textbooks in CBSE-affiliated private schools. Parents claimed that they have to buy expensive books from selected vendors, often revised annually, which greatly increases their financial burden. A complete NCERT package for classes 1 to 8 usually costs between $200 and $700, depending on the classroom, while publishers’ own packages, which often include workbooks, additional readers and stationery, range from $3000 L $10,000.
