New CBSE Guidelines: Changes to NCERT Book Usage for Students from Class 1 to 12

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued new guidelines to ensure the consistent use of NCERT textbooks in schools. Here’s a summary of the key points from the proposed amendments:

Guidelines for Textbook Use

1. For Classes 1 to 8:

   • Schools are directed to use NCERT/SCERT textbooks.
   • Supplementary materials can be used but must align with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE).
   • Supplementary materials should contain the essential core content and be carefully selected to ensure relevance and appropriateness.

2. For Classes 9 to 12:

   • Schools are required to use NCERT textbooks prescribed by the board.
   • If NCERT/SCERT books are unavailable, schools must use CBSE books available on the board’s website.
   • Supplementary materials can be used if necessary, but they must comply with the NCF-SE.
   • Any digital content used must also align with NCF-SE.
   • Schools must ensure that supplementary books do not contain objectionable content that could offend any community, gender, or religious group.

Existing Bye-Laws 2018:

• Schools were previously allowed to use NCERT textbooks where available.
• If using books from private publishers, schools had to ensure that these books did not contain content that could offend any class, community, gender, or religious group.
• Schools were required to publish a list of prescribed books on their website, with a written declaration signed by both the Manager and the Principal, confirming they reviewed the content of the books.

Accountability:

• Schools will be held accountable for any objectionable content found in supplementary books.
• It is crucial for schools to carefully select and review all supplementary and digital content to ensure it aligns with the board's guidelines and does not contain any inappropriate material.