TL;DR NCERT books are the official textbooks prescribed by CBSE and adopted by most Indian state boards. This guide covers the full subject list for every class from 1 to 12, what’s genuinely changed under NEP 2020 (and what hasn’t), how to study from them effectively, and how to get your child’s full booklist covered without overspending. If you have one tab open for NCERT books this session, this should be it.
Every April, a familiar scramble begins in Indian households. School circulars land, booklist PDFs circulate on parent WhatsApp groups, and the questions follow almost immediately – Which books does my child actually need? Are last year’s still valid? Which subjects split in Class 11? Do I really need to buy all of these anew?
NCERT books sit at the centre of all of it. Whether your child is just starting out in Class 1 or staring down Class 12 board exams, these textbooks are the backbone of their academic journey – mandated by CBSE, referenced by competitive exams, and trusted by educators across the country for over six decades.
Let us answer every class-related question about NCERT books in one place, so you’re not piecing it together from five different sources at once.
What Makes NCERT Books Different?
Before the class-wise breakdown, it helps to understand why these books hold the ground they do in Indian education.
NCERT – the National Council of Educational Research and Training – is an autonomous organisation under the Government of India, established in 1961. Its primary mandate is to develop and publish model textbooks that serve as the national standard for school education. They’re not written for a private publisher’s bottom line. They’re crafted by subject-matter experts with a mandate for clarity, accuracy, and curriculum alignment.
A few things set them apart:
- Board alignment
CBSE prescribes NCERT books as the primary study material. Questions in board exams for Classes 10 and 12 are directly or closely drawn from NCERT content and exercises.
- Competitive exam relevance
UPSC, NEET, JEE, CUET, and several state-level exams are built on concepts covered in NCERT books, especially Classes 9 to 12.
- Language accessibility
Books are available in English, Hindi, and Urdu, making them genuinely accessible across regions and backgrounds.
- Cost
Priced at MRP by NCERT, they are among the most affordable textbooks in the Indian market. The MRP list is publicly available on NCERT’s portal.
- Wide board adoption
While NCERT books are mandated for CBSE, a large number of state boards – including those in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and others – either prescribe NCERT books directly or base their curriculum closely on them.
Also Read: CBSE School Books – Classes 1 to 12, All Subjects
A Note on 2025-26: What’s Changed Under NEP 2020
The 2025-26 academic session is not a routine year for NCERT books. With the National Education Policy 2020 now in full implementation, NCERT has been rolling out entirely new textbooks class by class, starting from Class 6.
These are not revised editions. They are new books – new titles, new frameworks, integrated subject structures, and in some cases, merged content across disciplines. The overarching goal is a shift from rote-based learning to competency and curiosity-driven education.
The new books for Classes 6, 7, and 8 have been released under the NCF-SE 2023 (National Curriculum Framework for School Education) guidelines. Around 30% of non-essential or repetitive content from older versions has been removed or restructured. The 2026 board exams for Classes 10 and 12 will also feature 50% competency-based questions – a shift that these new books are specifically designed to prepare students for.
Classes with new NEP-aligned books as of 2025-26
| Class | New Books Introduced |
| Class 6 | Poorvi (English), Malhar (Hindi), Curiosity (Science), Exploring Society (Social Science), Ganit Prakash (Maths) |
| Class 7 | Updated Science and Social Science under NCF-SE 2023; new chapters added on India’s sacred geography, ancient dynasties, and governance |
| Class 8 | Curiosity (Science), Exploring Society: India and Beyond Vol. II (Social Science), updated Maths and Languages |
For Classes 9 to 12, the syllabus has been rationalised – certain chapters removed, others updated – but the core book titles remain largely the same for 2025-26. There are no major new books replacing old ones at the secondary and senior secondary level this session.
The rule of thumb: If your child is in Classes 6, 7, or 8, do not assume last year’s books are valid – they are not. For Classes 9 to 12, books from the last one to two sessions are generally still usable, but verify against your school’s booklist before purchase.
Recommended Read: New School Session 2025-26 Complete Book Checklist
NCERT Books Class-wise: The Complete Breakdown
Classes 1 to 5 – The Foundation Stage
The foundation years are about building habits of mind – literacy, numeracy, and the joy of learning – not curriculum benchmarks. NCERT books at this stage are intentionally colourful, story-rich, and activity-led. There are no heavy textbooks, no rote definitions, and no subject silos in the way older generations experienced them.
| Class | Subjects & Key Book Titles |
| Class 1 | Marigold (English), Rimjhim (Hindi), Joyful Mathematics, Sarangi (Hindi supplementary) |
| Class 2 | Marigold (English), Rimjhim (Hindi), Joyful Mathematics, Mridang |
| Class 3 | Marigold (English), Rimjhim (Hindi), Maths Magic, EVS – Looking Around |
| Class 4 | Marigold (English), Rimjhim (Hindi), Maths Magic, EVS – Looking Around |
| Class 5 | Marigold (English), Rimjhim (Hindi), Maths Magic, EVS – Looking Around |
A few things parents often get confused about at this stage:
- There is no standalone Science book in Classes 3 to 5. Environmental Science (EVS) – the book titled Looking Around – integrates concepts from both Science and Social Studies. It covers topics like the natural environment, plants, animals, water, food, and community – things your child will later study as separate subjects. Many parents go looking for a “Science book” for Class 4 and assume it’s been left off the list. It hasn’t.
- Mathematics naming changed. For Classes 1 and 2, the current book is Joyful Mathematics. From Classes 3 to 5, it’s Maths Magic. If you’re sourcing older copies, make sure the book title matches what the school has prescribed for this session.
- Content stability is high at this level. The core content in Classes 1 to 5 sees very little change year to year. A gently used copy of most foundation-stage books from the previous two to three sessions is typically still valid and fully usable.
What to focus on at this stage:
At this level, the goal isn’t covering NCERT – it’s reading aloud, doing the activities, and having conversations around what’s in the book. Parents who engage with the EVS book, for instance, often find it opens up genuinely interesting discussions about the child’s environment, community, and everyday observations. That engagement matters more than completion.
Class 6 – The First Real Shift
Class 6 is where school genuinely changes. After five years of integrated EVS, subjects split – Science and Social Science become distinct. Hindi moves from storytelling to structured language. Mathematics introduces integers, fractions, and basic geometry with more rigour. And in 2025-26, all of this comes wrapped in entirely new books.
The new Class 6 books:
| Subject | Book Title | What’s Different |
| English | Poorvi | Thematic learning, storytelling, contextual grammar – replaces Honeysuckle |
| Hindi | Malhar | Literary pieces, vocabulary, expression-focused – replaces Vasant Part 1 |
| Sanskrit | Ruchira Part 1 | Broadly similar to previous years |
| Mathematics | Ganit Prakash | Activity-based, pattern and logic emphasis; new title under NEP |
| Science | Curiosity | Entirely new book – activity-led, replaces the older Science Class 6 |
| Social Science | Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Integrated – merges History, Geography, and Civics into themed chapters |
The Exploring Society book deserves a specific note. It is a structural departure from how Social Science was previously taught. Rather than three separate books for History, Geography, and Civics, there is now one integrated textbook that weaves these disciplines together thematically. The approach mirrors how knowledge actually connects – geography shaping history, civics rooted in geography – but it can initially seem unfamiliar to both students and parents used to the older format.
What to focus on in Class 6
Mathematics and Science at this stage set the conceptual baseline for everything that follows. Topics introduced here – rational numbers, motion, the natural environment – come back in higher classes with far more depth. Students who build a solid intuition in Class 6 Maths and Science consistently fare better through Class 10. The new Curiosity book specifically encourages observation and experimentation rather than definitions – let your child engage with the activities, not just read the text.
Class 7 – Building Depth
Class 7 continues the NEP 2020 framework, with books updated under NCF-SE 2023 guidelines. The changes are meaningful: new chapters have been introduced on India’s sacred and pilgrimage geography, ancient dynasties including Maurya, Gupta, and Shunga empires, and contemporary governance initiatives. Some older content – including certain comparative tables about Mughal rulers – has been rationalised out.
Class 7 books:
| Subject | Book Titles | Notes |
| English | Honeycomb + An Alien Hand (Supplementary) | Both are prescribed |
| Hindi | Vasant Part 2, Durva, Mahabharat | Mahabharat is a supplementary reader |
| Sanskrit | Ruchira Part 2 | |
| Mathematics | Updated under NEP framework | Covers geometry, algebra, fractions, data handling |
| Science | Updated – activity-based, new chapters on living world, materials, natural phenomena | |
| Social Science | New chapters under NCF-SE 2023 – includes sacred geography, governance content |
What to focus on in Class 7:
Science at Class 7 introduces concepts – nutrition, respiration, electricity, light, weather – that directly feed into Class 9 and Class 10 Science. Similarly, the Social Science content in Class 7, while it may seem narrative-heavy, is foundational for students who later aim for UPSC. The habit of reading NCERT Social Science with genuine curiosity – rather than treating it as a history-to-be-memorised – pays dividends years later.
For parents: do not purchase previous-session Class 7 books assuming they are equivalent. The Social Science and Science books have been substantially updated for 2025-26.
Class 8 – The Last Year Before Secondary
Class 8 is the final year of middle school and the third year to receive fully new NEP-aligned books as part of this rollout. It is also the year most often underestimated by parents – because it doesn’t come with the pressure of board exams, its importance in building secondary-level foundations is sometimes overlooked.
Class 8 books:
| Subject | Book Title | Notes |
| English | Honeydew + It So Happened | Both texts are prescribed |
| Hindi | Vasant Part 3 | |
| Sanskrit | Ruchira Part 3 | |
| Mathematics | Covers rational numbers, powers, mensuration, factorisation, graphs | |
| Science | Curiosity | New title – activity-based, replaces the older Science Class 8 book |
| Social Science | Exploring Society: India and Beyond Vol. II | New book – restructured historical narrative, including revised coverage of colonial-era events |
A specific note on Class 8 Social Science:
The Exploring Society Vol. II book for Class 8 went through a notable review process in 2025-26. NCERT issued an official press release regarding Part 2 of this book. Before purchasing, confirm with your school which version is currently being followed for this session. This is one case where blindly ordering online based on title alone could result in the wrong copy.
What to focus on in Class 8:
Algebra and Mensuration in Class 8 Maths are the direct precursors to the more intensive Class 9 syllabus. Students who struggle in Class 9 Maths can often trace it back to gaps in Class 8 fundamentals. Science at this level – particularly the chapters on microorganisms, force and pressure, and synthetic materials – lays the groundwork for the split into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 9. Take Class 8 seriously as preparation, not as a transitional year.
Class 9 – Entry into Secondary Education
Class 9 is where the academic weight increases noticeably. The syllabus expands in every direction. Science becomes more specialised, covering topics from matter and atoms to motion, gravitation, and biological diversity. Mathematics moves into coordinate geometry, polynomials, and Euclid’s theorems. And Social Science branches into four distinct subject areas, each with its own book and its own demands.
Class 9 books:
| Subject | Book Title |
| English | Beehive (Main) + Moments (Supplementary) |
| Hindi | Kshitij 1, Kritika 1, Sparsh 1, Sanchayan 1 |
| Sanskrit | Shemushi Part 1 |
| Mathematics | Mathematics – Class 9 |
| Science | Science – Class 9 |
| History | India and the Contemporary World I |
| Geography | Contemporary India I |
| Political Science | Democratic Politics I |
| Economics | Economics |
What to focus on in Class 9:
- Mathematics: The chapters on Triangles, Circles, and Coordinate Geometry introduced in Class 9 are not just board-relevant – they’re the conceptual foundation for Class 10 boards and, further down, for JEE preparation. Students who develop the habit of writing neat, step-by-step solutions in Class 9 Maths carry that discipline into Class 10 boards, where presentation affects marks.
- Science: Class 9 Science spans a remarkable range – Matter in Our Surroundings, Atoms and Molecules, Motion, Gravitation, Work and Energy, Sound, and Improvement in Food Resources. It is often the first year students find Science genuinely demanding. The trick is not to treat each chapter in isolation: the Physics chapters (Motion, Force, Work) connect directly, and the Chemistry chapters build sequentially. Reading the NCERT text carefully – not just solving the back exercises – makes a significant difference.
- Social Science: This is worth flagging for any student who has competitive exam ambitions. The Class 9 History book (India and the Contemporary World I) covers the French Revolution, Russian Revolution, Nazism, and Pastoral communities. The Geography book covers India’s physical features, drainage, and climate. The Political Science book introduces democracy, elections, and federalism. These topics appear in UPSC Prelims and Mains, state PSC exams, and banking exams years later. The quality of NCERT explanation here is genuinely good – it’s worth reading, not just studying.
Class 10 – The First Major Milestone
Class 10 is the board exam year, and every chapter in every NCERT book matters. The CBSE board papers for Class 10 are structured directly around NCERT content – many questions are lifted verbatim from exercises, and even application-based questions are grounded in NCERT examples and diagrams.
Class 10 books:
| Subject | Book Title |
| English | First Flight (Main) + Footprints Without Feet (Supplementary) |
| Hindi | Kshitij 2, Kritika 2, Sparsh 2, Sanchayan 2 |
| Sanskrit | Shemushi Part 2 |
| Mathematics | Mathematics – Class 10 |
| Science | Science – Class 10 |
| History | India and the Contemporary World II |
| Geography | Contemporary India II |
| Political Science | Democratic Politics II |
| Economics | Understanding Economic Development |
What to focus on in Class 10:
- Science: The Class 10 Science NCERT is arguably the most exam-dense book in the entire 1–12 range. Chapters on Chemical Reactions and Equations, Acids Bases and Salts, Carbon Compounds, Light, Electricity, Magnetic Effects, Life Processes, and Heredity – almost every chapter carries significant board weightage. The in-text questions (the ones between sections, not just at the back) are as important as the chapter-end exercises; both types appear in boards.
- Mathematics: The Class 10 NCERT Maths book has 15 chapters, and board questions draw from all of them. Real Numbers, Polynomials, Pair of Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Coordinate Geometry, Triangles, Circles, Areas Related to Circles, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics, and Probability are the highest-weightage chapters in most board papers. Work through every example, then every exercise – in that order.
- Social Science: History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics together form the Social Science paper, typically worth 80 marks. The Class 10 Economics book (Understanding Economic Development) includes a chapter on Consumer Rights which is often underestimated and consistently appears in board papers. Political Science’s chapter on Federalism is similarly high-yield.
On buying books for Class 10:
This is the year where having a physical copy matters most – board revision requires writing in margins, placing bookmarks, and returning to the same pages dozens of times. A well-maintained used set works perfectly well for Class 10, given that the books haven’t changed significantly for this session. On BookMandee, Class 10 NCERT sets are among the most actively listed each year, particularly in May and June after board results are declared.
Class 11 – The Stream Split
Class 11 is where a student’s academic identity solidifies. After Class 10, they choose from Science, Commerce, or Arts (Humanities) – and the NCERT booklist becomes entirely stream-specific from this point. There is no longer a universal subject list; it depends on the stream and the school’s subject offerings.
Science Stream
| Subject | Books |
| Physics | Physics Part I + Part II |
| Chemistry | Chemistry Part I + Part II |
| Mathematics | Mathematics (Class 11) |
| Biology | Biology (for NEET-bound students; optional for non-bio) |
| English | Hornbill (Main) + Snapshots (Supplementary) |
- Physics Part I covers Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work-Energy-Power, Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter, and Thermodynamics. Physics Part II covers Oscillations, Waves, and other advanced topics. Both parts are prescribed – and both are essential for JEE and NEET Physics.
- Chemistry Part I covers the mole concept, atomic structure, periodic properties, chemical bonding, states of matter, and thermodynamics. Chemistry Part II goes into equilibrium, redox reactions, hydrogen, s-block elements, and organic chemistry basics. For NEET Chemistry, every chapter of both parts is relevant.
- Biology for Class 11 covers the living world, cell biology, plant physiology, human physiology, and structural organisation. If your child is NEET-bound, this book is not optional – it is non-negotiable.
Commerce Stream
| Subject | Books |
| Accountancy | Financial Accounting Part I + Part II |
| Business Studies | Business Studies |
| Economics | Indian Economic Development + Statistics for Economics |
| Mathematics | Mathematics (Class 11) – for students with Maths |
| English | Hornbill + Snapshots |
Statistics for Economics is a book many Commerce students underestimate. It covers measures of central tendency, correlation, and index numbers – topics that appear in board exams and in competitive exams like CA Foundation and various entrance tests. It is worth studying carefully, not skimming.
Arts / Humanities Stream
| Subject | Books |
| History | Themes in World History |
| Political Science | Political Theory + India’s Constitution at Work |
| Geography | Fundamentals of Physical Geography + India: Physical Environment |
| Sociology | Introducing Sociology + Understanding Society |
| Psychology | Psychology |
| Economics | Indian Economic Development + Statistics for Economics |
| English | Hornbill + Snapshots |
For UPSC aspirants starting in Class 11, the Arts stream NCERT books are the most strategically valuable reading in the school curriculum. Themes in World History, Political Theory, and India’s Constitution at Work are books that serious UPSC aspirants return to even in their third or fourth year of preparation.
A common mistake at Class 11:
Many parents buy all parts of a subject set without checking whether their school prescribes both. Physics, Chemistry, and Accountancy each have two parts – sold separately. Confirm the booklist before purchasing to avoid buying a book the school won’t use this session.
Class 12 – The Year That Counts
Class 12 brings everything together. Board exams, competitive entrance exams, college admissions – it all converges in this one year. NCERT books here are simultaneously school curriculum and exam preparation material. For students targeting NEET, JEE, or CUET, Class 12 NCERT books are not supplementary reading – they are the primary source.
Science Stream
| Subject | Books |
| Physics | Physics Part I + Part II |
| Chemistry | Chemistry Part I + Part II |
| Mathematics | Mathematics Part I + Part II |
| Biology | Biology |
| English | Flamingo (Main) + Vistas (Supplementary) |
- Class 12 Physics covers Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects, Electromagnetic Induction, Optics, Dual Nature of Radiation, Atoms, Nuclei, and Semiconductors. Every chapter has board exam weightage. For JEE, Optics and Electrostatics are particularly high-yield from this book.
- Class 12 Biology deserves special emphasis: approximately 90% of NEET Biology questions are directly traceable to Class 11 and 12 NCERT Biology. Not paraphrased – directly from the text, diagrams, and examples. NEET Biology toppers consistently report reading each line of NCERT Biology multiple times. The diagrams – mitosis, meiosis, the human digestive system, DNA replication – must be memorised to the point of being reproducible.
- Class 12 Chemistry is critical for both NEET and JEE. Organic Chemistry chapters (Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Aldehydes, Biomolecules, Polymers) are particularly important and frequently mishandled by students who rely on guides instead of NCERT first.
Commerce Stream
| Subject | Books |
| Accountancy | Accountancy Part I + Part II |
| Business Studies | Business Studies |
| Economics | Macroeconomics + Indian Economic Development |
| English | Flamingo + Vistas |
Macroeconomics for Class 12 is a book that rewards careful reading. Its chapters on National Income, Money and Banking, Balance of Payments, and Government Budget appear consistently in both boards and various competitive exams. The language is precise and conceptually sound – treat it as primary material, not a summary to be replaced by guides.
Arts / Humanities Stream
| Subject | Books |
| History | Themes in Indian History Part I, II + III |
| Political Science | Contemporary World Politics + Politics in India Since Independence |
| Geography | Fundamentals of Human Geography + India: People and Economy |
| Sociology | Indian Society + Social Change and Development in India |
| Psychology | Psychology |
| English | Flamingo + Vistas |
Themes in Indian History across three parts covers the Harappan Civilisation, Vedic and Mauryan periods, medieval India, Mughal administrative history, colonial India, and the Partition – a sweep of Indian history that forms the backbone of UPSC History preparation.
For all Class 12 students:
Do not treat NCERT as a formality to be ticked before moving to guides. Board papers, CUET, and most competitive exams are built directly around this content. Complete every exercise, every in-text question, every example. The habit of skimming NCERT and depending on guides catches up with most students in the exam hall, where the questions reward specificity, not approximation.
How to Download NCERT Books for Free
All NCERT books are available in PDF format – no registration, no payment, no login required. Here is how to download them reliably.
Official method (recommended):
- Visit ncert.nic.in/textbook.php
- Select your Class from the dropdown
- Choose your Subject
- Select the Book Title (important for 2025-26 – new titles like Curiosity and Exploring Society now appear in the dropdown)
- Download the full book as a ZIP file, or select individual chapters if you need specific content
Books are available in English, Hindi, and Urdu mediums across all classes.
How to verify you have the right edition:
Open the PDF and check the first few pages (the Prelims section). The reprint or revised edition year should read 2024 or 2025 for the new NEP-aligned books. If the Prelims show an older year – 2018, 2019 – you likely have the old edition. For Classes 6, 7, and 8, the old edition is not the current one.
If the official site is slow or unresponsive:
The official NCERT portal occasionally experiences traffic spikes during the April–June period when millions of students and parents access it simultaneously. If the site is slow, try accessing it early morning or late at night. Alternatively, NCERT-approved content is also available via the DIKSHA platform (diksha.gov.in), the Government of India’s digital learning portal.
Read More: How to Read & Get Free Books Online
Are NCERT and CBSE Books the Same?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask, especially those who are new to the CBSE system or whose children are shifting from a state board school.
The short answer: no, they are different organisations – but for a CBSE student, NCERT books are the prescribed textbooks.
Here’s how the relationship works:
- CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) is the examining and affiliating body. It conducts board exams for Classes 10 and 12, affiliates schools across India and abroad, sets paper patterns and marking schemes, and establishes curriculum guidelines.
- NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) is the content body. It develops and publishes textbooks, supplementary reading material, teacher training resources, and research in school education. NCERT operates under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
- CBSE officially mandates NCERT textbooks as the prescribed curriculum material for all its affiliated schools. This means that when a CBSE school says “follow the textbook,” the textbook they mean is NCERT. Board questions are set in alignment with NCERT content – not a guide, not a reference, not a summary sheet.
Do state board students also use NCERT?
Many do, but not all. States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and several others either directly prescribe NCERT books or base their state textbooks heavily on the NCERT framework. In practice, a large share of India’s school-going population studies from NCERT books regardless of board affiliation.
For students from state boards who are preparing for UPSC, NEET, or JEE – all of which are national exams built on the NCERT curriculum – studying NCERT books is essentially mandatory even if their school hasn’t prescribed them.
Must Read: How to Buy Used School Books Online
NCERT Exemplar Books – What They Are and When You Need Them?
A question that comes up frequently, especially in Classes 9 to 12: what is the difference between the NCERT textbook and the NCERT Exemplar?
They are related but distinct. The standard NCERT textbook is the curriculum book – it covers the syllabus, explains concepts, and provides exercises. The NCERT Exemplar is a separate publication by NCERT containing higher-order problems – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Very Short Answer, Short Answer, and Long Answer questions – specifically designed to test application and critical thinking rather than recall.
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT Exemplar | |
| Purpose | Concept learning + standard exercises | Higher-order problem solving |
| Used for | Board exam preparation (essential) | JEE, NEET, Olympiad preparation |
| Available for | Classes 1 to 12 | Primarily Classes 6 to 12 (Maths & Science) |
| Question type | Textbook exercises + in-text questions | MCQs, HOTS, application-based |
Who needs Exemplar books?
- For students preparing for JEE Mains and Advanced: Exemplar Maths and Science problems (Classes 11 and 12) are considered essential. Many JEE paper setters draw inspiration from Exemplar-style questions.
- For NEET: Exemplar Biology questions are frequently similar in pattern to NEET questions, making them a useful supplement after completing the textbook.
- For board exam toppers: Class 10 Maths and Science Exemplar problems are useful for scoring in the higher mark range, where application-based questions differentiate 90+ scorers from 80+ scorers.
- For standard board preparation in Classes 6 to 9: Exemplar is not necessary. The standard NCERT textbook and its exercises are sufficient.
Exemplar books are freely available on the NCERT official website under the same textbook portal, listed separately under “Exemplar Problems.”
How to Study from NCERT Books Effectively
Owning NCERT books and studying from them well are two different things. A surprisingly high number of students – particularly in Classes 9 to 12 – own the NCERT but default to guides and summaries, treating the textbook as a reference rather than the primary material. This typically shows up in board exam results.
Here is what effective NCERT study actually looks like, by stage:
For Classes 1 to 5:
The books at this stage are designed to be read aloud, discussed, and experienced – not just completed. Parents who read EVS chapters alongside their child and talk about what they observe in their own environment are using the book exactly as intended. Completion of activities and exercises matters less than genuine engagement.
For Classes 6 to 8:
At this stage, students should begin reading NCERT chapters independently – not just during homework time, but as a reading habit. The new Curiosity and Exploring Society books are written to be readable, not just studied. Encourage your child to read full chapters, including the boxes, activities, and footnotes, before the teacher covers them in class. Coming to class with some context dramatically improves how much a student absorbs.
For Classes 9 and 10:
This is where NCERT study discipline matters most for board outcomes. A practical approach that works:
- Read the chapter fully first – not to take notes, but to understand the narrative and arc
- Solve in-text questions (the questions that appear within the chapter, not just at the end)
- Re-read the examples – in Maths especially, NCERT examples are as important as the exercises
- Solve all back exercises – every single one, written out, not just mentally
- Mark chapters that have diagrams – in Science, diagrams are tested directly. Redraw them from memory until you can do it cleanly
For Classes 11 and 12:
The volume of NCERT content at this stage is significant, and the temptation to use condensed notes is real. The problem with notes and guides is that they paraphrase – and boards and competitive exams test NCERT-level specificity. A working approach:
- Complete each chapter of the NCERT textbook before moving to any reference material
- Solve NCERT exercises for every chapter – these are not optional
- For competitive exam subjects (Biology for NEET, Chemistry for NEET/JEE), create your own concise notes from NCERT – the act of summarising forces precision
- Revisit NCERT chapters during revision – not just your notes. The original text contains nuances that notes miss
- Use Exemplar problems (for Maths and Science) after completing the textbook, not alongside it
One habit that separates consistent performers:
They don’t abandon NCERT when they find a chapter difficult. They stay with it, re-read it, look up what they don’t understand, and return to it. Difficult chapters in NCERT are difficult for a reason – they’re covering something genuinely complex. Replacing them with a summary doesn’t resolve the difficulty; it defers it to the exam.
NCERT Books and Competitive Exam Preparation
One of the most underappreciated aspects of NCERT books is their relevance well beyond school. A significant portion of India’s major competitive exams draw from NCERT content, concepts, and language.
Aspirants are advised to read NCERT books from Classes 6 to 12 across History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, and Science as their foundational preparation. The standard advice – read NCERT before picking up Laxmikanth or Bipan Chandra – holds because NCERT establishes the conceptual vocabulary that makes advanced books comprehensible.
The specific NCERT books most referenced by UPSC toppers:
- History: Classes 6 to 12 (the full sweep – Ancient, Medieval, Modern India)
- Geography: Classes 6 to 12 (Physical Geography is especially important for Prelims)
- Political Science / Polity: Classes 9 to 12
- Economics: Classes 9 to 12
- Science: Classes 6 to 10 (for General Science in Prelims)
NEET:
For Biology, NCERT is not just a starting point – it is the primary source. Approximately 90% of NEET Biology questions are directly traceable to NCERT Class 11 and 12 Biology. For Chemistry and Physics, NCERT sets the conceptual foundation, extended by Exemplar and reference books like HC Verma and VK Jaiswal.
NCERT is essential for Chemistry (both Mains and Advanced draw heavily from NCERT) and for building Physics and Maths fundamentals. JEE-specific preparation goes well beyond NCERT, but students who skip NCERT at the conceptual stage consistently struggle with definition-based and application-basic questions in Mains.
CUET:
The Common University Entrance Test is, for most subjects, built around Class 12 NCERT content. Students targeting CUET for arts, science, or commerce subjects are well-served by thorough NCERT preparation rather than specialised CUET guides.
State-level competitive exams (SSC, Railways, Banking, State PSCs):
General Studies and General Knowledge sections in these exams draw from NCERT Social Science (History, Geography, Political Science, Economics) and Science from Classes 6 to 10. Students preparing for these exams often find that reading NCERT Classes 6 to 10 cover-to-cover provides more exam value than any GK digest.
A Practical Note on Getting Books This Session
New NCERT books purchased from school-authorised vendors or the NCERT portal are priced at government-regulated MRP – modest per title, but significant when you’re buying a full set for Classes 11 or 12 with multiple books per subject.
A sensible approach that experienced parents use: buy new books for classes where the content has genuinely changed (Classes 6, 7, and 8 in 2025-26), and source used books for other classes – particularly Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12 – where the curriculum is stable.
The logic is easy. A Class 10 Science NCERT from last session covers the same rationalised syllabus as this session’s copy. A Class 12 Maths textbook hasn’t changed its chapters. In these cases, a well-maintained used copy is functionally identical to a new one, at a fraction of the cost.
BookMandee has made this practical. Parents and students across India list their used NCERT books on BookMandee at the end of each academic year, organised by class and subject. Whether you’re looking for a single title or a full class set, BookMandee gives you a pan-India pool of listings to browse – and the books listed tend to be in good to excellent condition, given how carefully most Indian families maintain school books.
It’s also worth thinking about the reverse:
If your child has just moved up from Class 10 to 11, or from 12 into college, the books sitting on the shelf have real value to another family starting the same year. Listing them on BookMandee at the end of the session is a way to recover some of what you spent – and to pass well-maintained books to a student who’ll use them just as carefully.
FAQs
What is NCERT?
NCERT stands for the National Council of Educational Research and Training. It is an autonomous organisation under the Government of India, established on 1 September 1961, that develops and publishes textbooks, study material, and educational resources for school students from Class 1 to Class 12. NCERT operates under the Ministry of Education and its textbooks are officially prescribed by CBSE and followed by several state boards across India.
What are NCERT books?
NCERT books are the official textbooks published by NCERT for Classes 1 to 12. They cover all core subjects – Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, and stream-specific subjects in Classes 11 and 12. They are known for conceptual clarity, exam alignment, and accessibility, and are available both as physical books and free PDFs on the official NCERT website at ncert.nic.in. Physical copies are sold at government-regulated MRP through school vendors and NCERT sales counters.
Is CBSE and NCERT the same?
No, but they are closely connected. CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) is the board that affiliates schools and conducts board exams for Classes 10 and 12. NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) is a separate organisation that writes and publishes the textbooks. CBSE officially prescribes NCERT books as the curriculum material for all its affiliated schools – which is why the two names are often used interchangeably in school conversations, but they are distinct bodies with different mandates.
Which NCERT books should I read for UPSC?
UPSC aspirants are advised to read NCERT books from Classes 6 to 12 across the following subjects as foundational preparation:
- History – Classes 6 to 12 (covers Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India progressively)
- Geography – Classes 6 to 12 (Physical Geography is essential for Prelims GS Paper I)
- Political Science / Polity – Classes 9 to 12
- Economics – Classes 9 to 12
- Science – Classes 6 to 10 (for General Science questions in Prelims)
The recommended approach is to complete these NCERTs before moving to standard UPSC references like Laxmikanth (Polity), Bipan Chandra (Modern History), or GC Leong (Geography). NCERT establishes the vocabulary and conceptual framework that makes those books far more accessible.
Will NCERT books change in 2025-26?
Partially. New NEP-aligned books have been introduced for Classes 6, 7, and 8 – these are entirely new textbooks with new titles (Curiosity for Science, Exploring Society for Social Science, Poorvi for English in Class 6), not revised editions. For Classes 9 to 12, the core books and titles remain the same for 2025-26, though the syllabus has been rationalised since 2022 with certain chapters removed or updated. Always confirm with your school’s booklist before purchasing.
Are old NCERT books still valid for 2025-26?
It depends on the class. For Classes 6, 7, and 8, old books are no longer aligned with the current syllabus – entirely new books have replaced them and the content is structurally different, not just revised. For Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12, books from the last one to two sessions are generally still usable, as no new replacement books have been introduced at these levels for 2025-26, though some chapters have been rationalised since 2022. Always verify against your school’s prescribed booklist before deciding to reuse older copies.
What is the difference between NCERT textbooks and NCERT Exemplar?
The NCERT textbook is the standard curriculum book – it covers the syllabus through concept explanations, examples, and exercises. The NCERT Exemplar is a separate publication containing higher-order problems (MCQs, application-based questions, HOTS) designed for students who need deeper practice beyond the standard exercises. Exemplar books exist primarily for Maths and Science in Classes 6 to 12 and are particularly valuable for JEE, NEET, and Olympiad preparation. Both are freely available on the official NCERT website.
Where can I buy NCERT books in India?
New NCERT books are available at NCERT regional sales counters, school-authorised vendors, and select bookstores. For used copies in good condition, BookMandee allows parents and students across India to list and buy second-hand NCERT books by class and subject. BookMandee serves pan India, making it practical to find specific titles – whether you’re looking for a single book or a full class set – particularly for classes where the books haven’t changed and a used copy works just as well as a new one.