If your child is in Class 9 or Class 11 in the 2026-27 session, their textbooks have changed. NCERT has started rolling out new books under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the transition is creating confusion for students, parents, and teachers alike.
This article explains exactly what changed, which classes are affected, and what you need to do.
Which Classes Are Affected?
| Class | 2026-27 Session | 2027-28 Session |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1-8 | New textbooks (phased rollout) | New textbooks |
| Class 9 | New textbooks (new this year) | Continues new textbooks |
| Class 10 | Existing old textbooks | New textbooks start |
| Class 11 | New textbooks for some subjects | Continues new textbooks |
| Class 12 | Existing old textbooks | New textbooks start |
Source: NCERT textbook rollout plan, NDTV Education. Content was rephrased.
Key takeaway: If your child is appearing for board exams in 2027 (Class 10 or Class 12), they will use the old textbooks. The new textbooks do not affect current board exam students.
What is Different in the New Textbooks?
1. New Book Names
The most visible change: familiar textbook names have been replaced.
For Class 9 English:
- Old: Beehive (main textbook) + Moments (supplementary reader)
- New: Kaveri (single integrated textbook)
This pattern is being followed across subjects — multiple books are being merged into single integrated textbooks.
2. Competency-Based Approach
Old textbooks focused on content knowledge: "What is photosynthesis?"
New textbooks focus on competency: "A farmer notices his crops are not growing well despite adequate water. Using your knowledge of photosynthesis, explain what else the plants might need."
The questions are longer, more application-based, and require thinking, not just recall. CBSE has been gradually increasing competency-based questions from 30% to 50% of the paper.
3. Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
New textbooks include references to Indian contributions to science, mathematics, and philosophy. For example:
- Aryabhata's contributions in Mathematics
- Charaka Samhita references in Biology
- Arthashastra references in Economics
This is not replacing modern content. It is adding a cultural context that was previously missing.
4. Multidisciplinary Integration
Subjects are becoming less siloed. A Science chapter might include elements of Geography. A History chapter might include data analysis. This reflects NEP's emphasis on holistic education.
5. Two Difficulty Levels (Coming Soon)
NEP proposes that certain subjects (like Mathematics) will be offered at two levels — Standard and Basic. Students can choose based on their interest and career goals. This is being phased in gradually.
What Should Parents Do?
If Your Child Is in Class 9 (2026-27)
- Make sure they have the new 2026-27 edition textbooks, NOT the old ones
- The syllabus has changed. Old question papers may not be fully relevant for practice
- Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing answers. The new exam pattern rewards comprehension over recall.
- AI tutoring tools that have been updated for NEP textbooks are more useful than generic study material based on old books
If Your Child Is in Class 10 (Appearing for Boards 2027)
- Relax. You are using the old textbooks. No changes for you.
- Your exam paper will follow the existing pattern
- Previous year question papers are still relevant for practice
If Your Child Is in Class 11 (2026-27)
- Some subjects have new textbooks. Check with your school which edition they are following.
- For Science students: the core content (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths) has not changed dramatically. The presentation and examples have changed.
- For Commerce students: similar situation. The fundamentals of Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies remain the same.
If Your Child Is in Class 12 (Appearing for Boards 2027)
- No changes. Old textbooks. Old exam pattern.
How Does This Affect Coaching and Study Apps?
Many coaching institutes and study apps have not updated their content for the new textbooks yet. Before investing in any study resource, check:
- Does it mention "NEP 2020 aligned" or "2026-27 edition"?
- Does it use the new textbook names (e.g., "Kaveri" for Class 9 English)?
- Does it include competency-based questions?
If the resource still references old textbook names and old-style questions, it may not be fully updated.
The Bigger Picture: Why NEP Matters
NEP 2020 is India's biggest education reform in 34 years (the previous policy was from 1986). Key goals:
- Flexibility: Students can mix subjects (Science + Commerce, for example)
- Reduced rote learning: Exams will test understanding, not memory
- Multiple board exams: Eventually, students may take board exams multiple times and keep the best score
- Vocational integration: Skills like coding, financial literacy, and design will be part of the curriculum
These changes are being implemented gradually over 2024-2030. The full impact will be felt by students currently in Class 6-8.
Padhaao Covers Both Old and New Textbooks
Padhaao is updated for the 2026-27 academic session. It covers:
- Old textbooks for Class 10 and 12 board exam students (2027 exams)
- New NEP-aligned textbooks for Class 9 and 11 (2026-27 session)
- Both old and new content during the transition period
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