TL;DR
NCERT books can be bought from official NCERT sales counters, school-authorised vendors, online retailers, and used book platforms. For classes where the books haven’t changed (primarily Classes 9 to 12), used copies may work just as well as new ones and cost significantly less. For Classes 6, 7, and 8 – where entirely new books have been introduced under NEP 2020 – new copies are the safer buy this session.
Session after session, it plays out the same way. The school circular lands on a Tuesday, the booklist comes attached as a blurry PDF, and the bookshops near the school have a queue outside by Thursday. Parents who’ve been through a few of these know exactly what’s coming. Parents doing it for the first time are figuring it out in real time.
What makes NCERT books slightly different from other school books is that there’s no single obvious place to buy them. Unlike a textbook published by a private house that’s sold through select authorised dealers, NCERT books have multiple legitimate buying channels – official and unofficial, new and used, online and offline – and the right choice depends on your child’s class, where you live, how much time you have, and what you’re willing to spend.
This guide maps out every option clearly.
Two Things Worth Checking First Before You Buy
- Does your child’s class have new books this session?
For 2025-26, Classes 6, 7, and 8 have entirely new NEP 2020-aligned books with new titles – Curiosity (Science), Exploring Society (Social Science), Poorvi (Class 6 English), and others. These are not revised editions of existing books. They are new books, and the older versions are no longer aligned with the current syllabus.
If your child is in Classes 6, 7, or 8, buying used copies of last year’s NCERT books may not work. You need the new editions.
For Classes 1 to 5 and Classes 9 to 12, the books are either stable year-on-year or have only seen chapter-level rationalisation – not full replacement. Used copies from the last one to two sessions are generally still valid.
- Does your school prescribe all books in a set?
For Classes 11 and 12 especially, NCERT books for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Accountancy, Mathematics, and History come in two parts. Many schools prescribe both parts; some prescribe only one per semester. Check the school’s booklist carefully before purchasing – buying a Part II your school won’t use this session is an easy and avoidable mistake.
Recommended Read: How to Save Money on School Books in India
Option 1: NCERT Official Sales Counters
NCERT runs its own sales counters in several cities across India, selling books directly at the government-regulated MRP. These are the most reliable source for new, current-edition books – what you buy here is guaranteed to be the official version.
- Locations: NCERT has regional distribution centres and sales outlets in Delhi (NCERT Campus, Sri Aurobindo Marg), Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Bhubaneswar, among other cities. The main New Delhi campus has a well-stocked sales counter that carries the full range across classes.
- What works well here: Buying for multiple classes in one visit, finding books that aren’t available at local vendors, and getting new NEP-aligned editions (like the new Class 6 and Class 7 books) as soon as they are released.
- What doesn’t: These counters are not uniformly spread across India. If you’re in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city without an NCERT outlet nearby, this option isn’t practical for walk-in purchases.
- NCERT online portal: NCERT also sells books through its official website (ncert.nic.in). The online store lists books at MRP and ships across India, though availability and shipping timelines can vary during the April–July peak season.
Option 2: School-Authorised Vendors
Most CBSE-affiliated schools have one or more designated vendors or bookshops that carry the prescribed NCERT books for all classes. These vendors stock books according to the school’s specific booklist, which means you’re less likely to buy the wrong edition or a book your school doesn’t use.
- The advantage here is specificity. The vendor knows the school’s list and typically carries the exact editions and parts prescribed. If your school has recently shifted to a new edition or the subject split is different from another school nearby, the authorised vendor has already accounted for that.
- Timing matters. School-authorised vendors are usually best visited in the first two to three weeks of April, when new stock arrives. If you wait until late May or June, popular titles – particularly for Classes 10, 12, and the new Class 6 to 8 books – can go out of stock and take weeks to replenish.
- Pricing at authorised school vendors is at MRP or marginally above (for handling and distribution), which is standard and expected.
Option 3: Local Bookshops and General Stationers
Beyond school-designated vendors, most cities and towns have general bookshops and stationers that stock NCERT books alongside other school supplies. These shops serve students from multiple schools in the area and often carry a broader variety across classes.
- What they’re good for: Filling in individual missing titles, sourcing books quickly without a pre-order or waiting period, and comparing physical condition before buying.
- What to watch for: Not all general bookshops update their stock immediately when new editions are released. For the new 2025-26 books (Classes 6 to 8), confirm with the shopkeeper that they have the new NEP-aligned editions before purchasing. An easy check: ask for Curiosity (Class 6/7/8 Science) or Exploring Society (Class 6/7/8 Social Science) by name – if the shopkeeper brings out books with these titles, the stock is current.
- In smaller towns and rural areas, general stationers are often the most accessible option. NCERT’s distribution network reaches most parts of India through this channel, though the time lag between new edition availability in metros versus smaller towns can be a few weeks.
Option 4: Online Retailers
Major e-commerce platforms and their book-specific equivalents may stock NCERT books and ship across India. For families in cities where school vendors are crowded or for those who prefer doorstep delivery, this is a convenient option.
- Pricing: Most listings are at MRP. Some sellers offer small discounts, particularly on older editions or combined sets.
What to verify before NCERT books ordering online:
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
| Edition year in the listing | For Classes 6, 7, 8 – must be 2024 or 2025 edition |
| Seller rating and reviews | Ensures you receive the right book in stated condition |
| Book title, not just subject | New NEP books have new titles; search by title, not just “NCERT Science Class 6” |
| Estimated delivery date | During April–June, delivery timelines can stretch – order early |
| Whether it’s Part I or Part II | For Physics, Chemistry, Maths (11/12), Accountancy |
One consistent issue with ordering NCERT books online: during the new session rush, listings for older editions sometimes appear alongside new ones, and the thumbnail images are often identical. Read the product description carefully – specifically the “Edition” field and the publication year – before adding to cart.
Option 5: Used NCERT Books – The Practical Choice for Most Families
For classes where the books have not fundamentally changed, buying used NCERT books is the most sensible option most families don’t consider until someone tells them to.
The case for it is straightforward. Class 10 NCERT Maths is the same book it was last session. Class 12 NCERT Biology is the same book. Class 9 Science is the same book. The content your child needs to study is identical in a used copy from the last one to two sessions. The only difference is the price – and, sometimes, the presence of a previous student’s underlines, which many students actually find useful.
When used copies work well:
- Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12 (stable books, no major new editions in 2025-26)
- Classes 1 to 5 (content is very stable year to year)
- Any subject where you need a second or revision copy – for example, a student using a clean PDF for daily study but wanting a physical copy with room to annotate
When used copies need more care:
- Classes 6, 7, and 8 – the new books have entirely different content. A used copy of the old Class 6 Science book may not be a substitute for Curiosity. Be specific about which edition you’re sourcing.
- Classes where boards have rationalised the syllabus – confirm the used copy includes the chapters your school prescribes for this session
Must Read: Tips for Ensuring Quality When Buying Used Books Online
BookMandee – A Place to Find NCERT Books Across India
If you’re sourcing used NCERT books, BookMandee is worth knowing about, and likely the most useful single platform for this specific need.
BookMandee is a dedicated online marketplace for books in India, built specifically for book buyers and sellers rather than general classified listings. Unlike platforms where books compete for attention alongside electronics and furniture, every listing on BookMandee is a book – which means search filters work as they should, and the people you’re connecting with are actually there for books.
Here’s how the process works:
For buyers:
- Visit BookMandee and search by class, subject, or book title
- Use filters to narrow by category, location, and condition
- Browse listings with seller-provided descriptions, including condition details, edition year, and any markings
- Connect directly with the seller through the platform to ask questions or confirm details
- Agree on the price, meet at a mutually convenient location or arrange delivery as discussed
- Pay via your preferred method directly to the seller
The platform operates pan India, which means you’re searching a national pool of listings – not just your city or neighbourhood. A parent in Patna can find a listing from someone in the same city, and if nothing nearby turns up, they can connect with a seller willing to ship.
BookMandee’s growing network of buyers and sellers aims to become the largest online book store in India.
What to look for in a listing:
When browsing for used NCERT books on BookMandee, a good listing typically includes:
- The class, subject, and book title explicitly mentioned
- The edition year or session (e.g., “2023-24 edition”)
- Honest condition description – whether there are pencil underlines, pen marks, pages folded, any torn sections
- Seller’s location and preferred mode of transaction
If the listing lacks any of these details, it’s worth messaging the seller directly to ask before committing. BookMandee’s platform enables the initial connection between buyers and sellers; once contact is established, the buyer and seller communicate directly regarding further details and arrangements.
Read More: How to Sell Books Fast with Better Descriptions
The sell-to-buy cycle at BookMandee
One of the more practical ways to use BookMandee during the new session:
List your child’s books from the previous class first, and use what you earn to offset the cost of the new class’s books. A Class 10 student moving into Class 11 has a full set of Class 10 NCERT books that a current Class 10 student needs. That set has real value right now, particularly in April and May when demand is highest.
BookMandee’s used book price calculator helps sellers estimate a fair resale value rather than second-guessing or underselling. Listing on BookMandee is free, and you set your own price.
Must Read: How to Avoid Scams When Buying or Selling Used Books Online
Comparing Your Options: A Quick Reference
| Buying Option | Best For | Price Range | Availability |
| NCERT official counter | New books, guaranteed edition accuracy | MRP | Select cities |
| School-authorised vendor | Books matching your school’s exact list | MRP or slightly above | Near school |
| Local bookshop / stationer | Quick access, physical browse | MRP | Most towns and cities |
| Online retailers (Amazon, Flipkart) | Doorstep delivery, convenience | MRP (some discounts) | Pan India |
| BookMandee (used) | Classes 9–12, bulk sets, cost-saving | Significantly below MRP | Pan India |
How to Verify You Have the Right Edition
Regardless of where you buy, here’s how to confirm the book you’ve received or are about to buy is the correct edition for 2025-26:
- For physical books: Open to the first two to three pages – the Prelims section. You’ll find the title, a list of publishers, and the publication or reprint year. For the new NEP-aligned books (Classes 6, 7, 8), this should read 2024 or 2025. For Classes 9 to 12, the rationalised edition from 2022 onward is the current version – older editions from before 2022 may include chapters that have since been removed from the syllabus.
- For used books specifically: Ask the seller which session the books were used in. A book used in 2023-24 or 2024-25 for Classes 9 to 12 is almost certainly the current edition. A book used in 2021-22 or earlier might predate the syllabus rationalisation – worth a quick cross-check.
- For books bought online: Check the product description for the edition field. If the listing doesn’t specify, message the seller before ordering. For the new Class 6 to 8 books, cross-verify the title – if a listing says “NCERT Science Class 6” without mentioning Curiosity, it may be the older edition.
FAQs
Where is the NCERT book shop near me?
NCERT has official sales counters in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Bhubaneswar. For other locations, NCERT books are available at school-authorised vendors, general bookshops, and local stationers across most Indian towns and cities.
Can I buy NCERT books online?
Yes. NCERT books are available through the official NCERT portal (ncert.nic.in), major e-commerce platforms, and BookMandee. When buying online, verify the edition year and book title before ordering – especially for Classes 6, 7, and 8 where new NEP-aligned books have replaced older ones for 2025-26.
Are used NCERT books safe to buy for board exams?
For Classes 9 to 12, used NCERT books from the last one to two sessions are generally appropriate for board exam preparation – the content and exercises are the same as new copies. The key check is edition year: books used in 2023-24 or 2024-25 will reflect the rationalised syllabus and are board-ready. Books from before 2022 may include chapters that have been removed and should be verified against the current syllabus.
What is the price of NCERT books?
NCERT books are sold at government-regulated MRP, which varies by book. Most individual NCERT titles are priced between ₹40 and ₹200. A complete set for Classes 9 or 10 across all subjects typically costs ₹600 to ₹900 at MRP. For Classes 11 and 12 where multiple books per subject are prescribed, the full set can range from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 depending on the stream. Used copies on BookMandee are priced below MRP, with pricing set by individual sellers.
Which is the best place to buy second-hand NCERT books in India?
BookMandee is among the most suitable platforms for sourcing NCERT books in India. Unlike general classified sites, BookMandee is built specifically for books, which means search filters work well, listings include condition details and edition information, and the people listing on the platform are genuinely there to sell books rather than clear clutter. It operates pan India, so you’re not limited to your city’s listings.
What should I check before buying a used NCERT book?
Check the edition year (open to the first two to three pages – look for the reprint or publication year), confirm the book title matches the new NEP-aligned titles if buying for Classes 6 to 8, ask the seller about the condition (presence of pen or pencil marks, missing pages, binding condition), and verify that the book covers the current syllabus chapters – particularly for Classes 9 to 12 where some chapters have been rationalised out since 2022.