NCERT Announces Significant Price Reduction on Textbooks for Classes 9-12

New Delhi, December 24, 2024 - In a move that brings relief to millions of students and parents across India, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced a 20% reduction in the prices of textbooks for classes 9 to 12, effective from the next academic year. This decision was revealed by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who also shared plans for an ambitious increase in textbook production capacity.

The price cut is part of a broader strategy to make educational materials more accessible. The current production stands at approximately 5 crore textbooks annually, but with the new initiative, NCERT aims to triple that number to 15 crore books per year. This expansion in production capacity is expected to resolve previous issues of demand and supply, ensuring that textbooks are readily available to all students.

Moreover, the minister highlighted that the new textbooks for classes 9-12, which will be aligned with the updated National Curriculum Framework (NCF), are slated for introduction in the 2026-27 academic session. This update is part of NCERT's ongoing efforts to keep educational content relevant and in line with contemporary learning standards.

The announcement has been met with widespread approval from students, educators, and parents, with posts on X celebrating the news as a significant step towards making education more affordable and inclusive. There's a palpable sense of relief among the educational community, anticipating that these changes will ease the financial burden on families while simultaneously ensuring quality education is accessible to all.

This initiative by NCERT not only addresses the immediate concern of textbook affordability but also underscores the government's commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and resources as part of its broader educational policy reforms.