CBSE Class 9 Students in Chennai Await New NCERT Textbooks as Schools Turn to Digital Resources

CBSE Class 9 students in Chennai are yet to receive several NCERT textbooks as schools adapt to the new NEP 2020 curriculum using digital resources and PDFs.
on Jun 15, 2026

Two weeks into the new academic session, many CBSE Class 9 students in Chennai are still waiting for their NCERT textbooks, with several schools yet to receive books for core subjects such as Mathematics, Social Science, and History.

The delay comes as the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) rolls out a revised curriculum under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. This academic year marks the introduction of the updated curriculum for Class 9 students.

While digital versions of the textbooks have been made available, the absence of printed books has created challenges for schools, teachers, and parents.

Schools Rely on E-Books and Smart Classrooms

To ensure that teaching continues without disruption, many schools have adopted temporary digital solutions. Some institutions are displaying PDF versions of the textbooks on smart boards, while others have uploaded e-books to school applications and distributed printed notes to students.

School administrators say that textbook delays have become increasingly common since the phased implementation of the new curriculum, prompting them to develop alternative teaching methods.

However, educators acknowledge that digital resources cannot fully replace physical textbooks, particularly for classroom learning and independent study.

Parents Express Concerns

The delay has also caused anxiety among parents, many of whom are uncertain about when the books will be delivered.

Several parents have pointed out that students are heavily dependent on classroom presentations and digital PDFs, which can make regular study routines difficult. Since many schools restrict the use of personal gadgets during class hours, students often have limited access to learning materials.

For families, the uncertainty surrounding textbook availability has added unnecessary stress at the beginning of the academic year.

Supply Expected to Improve

According to NCERT book suppliers, English and Science textbooks are already available in the market, while stocks of Mathematics and some other subjects remain limited.

Suppliers indicate that additional orders have been placed and expect the situation to improve in the coming days as fresh stocks arrive.

Teachers Seek Better Planning

School leaders believe that textbook distribution should be aligned more effectively with the academic calendar, particularly because schools in southern states typically reopen in June, while many northern schools begin classes in July.

Educators argue that textbooks remain one of the most important teaching tools and that delays can affect lesson planning and student learning. Some have suggested that if revised books cannot be supplied before the academic session begins, curriculum changes should be introduced in the following year instead.

A Larger Challenge in Curriculum Transition

The textbook shortage highlights the logistical challenges involved in implementing large-scale curriculum reforms. As India moves towards the educational goals outlined in NEP 2020, timely availability of learning resources will play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition for schools and students.

For the publishing and education sectors, the issue underscores the importance of efficient textbook production, distribution, and digital accessibility in supporting educational reform.