New Delhi | July 2025
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a significant directive for all affiliated schools: only NCERT textbooks will be used for students in Classes 1 to 8 starting this academic year. In addition, a special module on ‘Operation Sindoor’—India’s recent military strike—will soon be part of school learning across the country.
🔹 Only NCERT Books Permitted for Classes 1–8
CBSE has clearly instructed schools to stop using books from private publishers in primary and middle school. From now on, NCERT books will be the only prescribed textbooks for students from Classes 1 to 8.
This step follows the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, aiming to unify and simplify school education across India.
👉 Why this matters:
- Reduces financial burden on parents
- Ensures consistency in teaching across the country
- Promotes concept-based, activity-driven learning as per NEP vision
🔹 ‘Operation Sindoor’ to Be Part of NCERT Curriculum
In a parallel initiative, NCERT is preparing to release two special modules to educate students about Operation Sindoor, India’s decisive military operation carried out in May 2025 after the terror attack in Pahalgam.
The operation involved coordinated airstrikes and drone missions targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), showcasing India’s modern defense strategy.
📘 Key Features of the Module:
- One version for Classes 3 to 8, simplified with illustrations and narratives
- Another version for Classes 9 to 12, with deeper analysis of strategic and geopolitical aspects
- Includes activities, case studies, and critical thinking exercises
- Highlights military coordination, international diplomacy, and national security
🎯 Why the Curriculum is Being Updated
The objective is to build a real-world, India-centric understanding among students by covering key national achievements and challenges. Other themes being developed or already introduced by NCERT include:
- Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1, and India’s space advancements
- G20 Summit 2023 and India’s global leadership
- Mission LiFE for environmental sustainability
- Partition horrors and their impact on modern India
- Achievements of women and youth in science & sports
✅ Impact on Students and Schools
| Change | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| NCERT-only books (Classes 1–8) | Uniform education, less burden, NEP-aligned learning |
| Operation Sindoor module | Strategic awareness, patriotism, real-world understanding |
| Contemporary modules | Engaging, relevant, activity-based content |
🧠 Why Students Should Pay Attention
- Learn about India’s defense strategy and response to terrorism
- Connect classroom learning with real events
- Build critical thinking and understanding of national interest
- Prepare for a dynamic, knowledge-driven future