The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive requiring all schools affiliated with the board to exclusively use NCERT textbooks. The mandate, which takes effect immediately, is designed to ensure uniformity in learning materials for students from classes IX to XII. Additionally, the CBSE has strongly recommended that schools adopt NCERT or SCERT textbooks for classes I to VIII.
As per TOI reports, this policy shift is part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality and consistency of education across the country. By standardising textbooks, the CBSE aims to provide all students with access to the same high-quality educational content, regardless of their location or the type of school they attend. The use of NCERT textbooks, which are widely regarded for their comprehensive and balanced content, is expected to bring significant improvements in the learning experience for students.
In addition to mandating the use of NCERT textbooks, the CBSE has also underscored the importance of responsible content selection in educational materials. Schools have been urged to exercise caution when supplementing the prescribed textbooks with additional resources. The board has emphasised that any supplementary materials should be thoroughly reviewed to ensure they are free from objectionable or inappropriate content.
To further ensure transparency and accountability, the CBSE has instructed all affiliated schools to publicly list the textbooks they are using on their official websites. Schools must also provide a written declaration affirming that they have carefully reviewed the content of the prescribed books. This measure is intended to prevent the dissemination of inaccurate or biassed information and to protect students from exposure to harmful content.
The CBSE’s decision is expected to have a wide-reaching impact, affecting over 20,000 schools and millions of students across the country. By enforcing the use of NCERT textbooks, the board aims to eliminate disparities in educational content and provide a level playing field for students nationwide. The move has been met with approval from educators and parents alike, who believe that it will bring much-needed consistency to the education system.
Educators have long advocated for the use of NCERT textbooks, citing their alignment with national educational standards and their focus on fostering critical thinking and analytical skills among students. The textbooks are also known for their emphasis on promoting inclusivity and social equity, making them an ideal choice for a diverse and multicultural country like India.
Parents, too, have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the use of standardised textbooks will help reduce the burden of choosing from a plethora of learning materials, many of which vary widely in quality. The uniformity brought about by this decision is expected to ease the financial and logistical challenges faced by families, especially those with children studying in different schools.
As the CBSE’s mandate takes effect, schools across the country are expected to transition to NCERT textbooks in the coming academic sessions. The board will monitor compliance with the new regulations and ensure that schools adhere to the prescribed guidelines.
This landmark decision by the CBSE marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of education in India. By making NCERT textbooks mandatory, the board is laying the foundation for a more equitable and effective education system that will benefit students for generations to come.