Hello friends!
Today, I want to speak from the heart—not as a blogger, but as someone who has spent more than a decade in the education field, working with students, teachers, and school leaders.
Recently, NCERT launched three new textbooks for Class 5 and Class 8, based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF-SE 2023). As someone deeply involved in school academics, I feel this is a long-awaited and much-needed change—and I’d love to tell you why.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has officially released three new textbooks for Classes 5 and 8, designed as per the latest National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE 2023). This marks another step towards transforming Indian school education into a more activity-based, student-centric, and skill-oriented model.
These new books are not just updates—they are completely redesigned with new chapters, interactive activities, and real-life examples to make learning fun and meaningful.
What Are These New NCERT Textbooks?
NCERT has launched:
- Class 5: Environmental Studies textbook
- Class 8: Science and Social Science textbooks
These books aim to replace rote learning with practical knowledge by including:
- Everyday examples
- Inquiry-based activities
- Stories and illustrations
- Art and toy integration
- Local culture and regional content
This is a major step forward in implementing competency-based education as promoted by NEP 2020.
What’s Different from Old Books?
| Feature | Old Textbooks | New NCERT Textbooks |
| Learning Style | Mostly theory-based | Activity-based, experiential |
| Structure | Heavy content | Easy-to-understand with visuals |
| Focus | Memory | Concepts, logic, and skills |
| Teaching | Teacher-driven | Child-centered learning |
| Curriculum | Static | Dynamic and context-based |
Who Will Benefit from These Books?
These books are designed for:
- Students: Especially those in Class 5 and Class 8. Lessons are now more enjoyable and relatable.
- Teachers: NCERT is organizing training programs for CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya, and Navodaya Vidyalaya teachers.
- Schools: Schools are receiving guidance and bridge programs to smoothly shift to the new curriculum.
🔍 “These textbooks reflect the vision of NEP 2020—to promote foundational literacy, creativity, and 21st-century skills.” — NCERT Official
What Is a Bridge Program?
Since the new books are very different, NCERT has provided Bridge Programs—a short-term syllabus plan to help students and teachers adjust to the new format. These will run for a few weeks before the regular syllabus begins, especially helpful for students moving to Classes 5 and 8.
When Will Other Class Books Be Launched?
- Already Launched: Classes 3, 4, 6, 7
- Now Launched: Classes 5 and 8
- Expected Soon: Classes 1, 2, 9, 10 by next year
- Full Rollout: All classes by 2026
🗓️ According to NCERT, books for other classes will be introduced in phases to ensure quality and proper implementation.
NCERT has officially announced on X (Twitter) regarding new NCERT Textbooks for class 5 and 8.
“Curiosity for class 8 (Science Textbook)
“Kaushal BOth” for class 5 (Hindi Textbook)
Where to Find These Textbooks?
Students and teachers can access digital versions of these new textbooks:
- 📲 ePathshala App
- 💻 NCERT Official Website
- 📚 Physical copies through government and private publishers affiliated with NCERT
These resources are completely free and accessible in multiple languages.
A Look Inside the New Books
Class 5 – Environmental Studies
- Real-life questions like “Why is water important in our village?”
- Activities like making eco-maps, drawing local birds
- Integration of stories and puzzles
Class 8 – Science
- Focus on everyday science around food, hygiene, and energy
- Lab experiments and observation-based questions
- Local case studies and group projects
Class 8 – Social Science
- Lessons on diversity, local governance, and civic responsibility
- Topics presented through dialogues, comics, and debates
- Encourages critical thinking and expressing opinions
Final Thoughts: A Big Step Towards New-Age Learning
The launch of these new NCERT textbooks is a positive transformation in the Indian school system. It brings students closer to real-life applications and makes learning enjoyable, creative, and purposeful.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student—this change will shape how future generations think, learn, and solve problems. Keep an eye out as more such textbooks arrive in the coming months.
Share Your Views!
Let’s Talk!
What do you think about this change? Are you a parent, teacher, or student experiencing these new books?
I’d love to hear your views—drop a comment, message me, or share this article with your school circle.
Together, let’s make learning more meaningful, joyful, and powerful. 💛
