The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is currently facing a significant challenge in its textbook rollout under the NEP 2020-data-aligned curriculum update. Reports show that only about half of the planned new textbooks have been printed and distributed, creating a temporary gap in availability for students across India.

⚠️ What Is the Problem?

NCERT has recently introduced revised textbooks for several classes, especially:

Class 3

Class 6

Class 9 (in phased rollout)

However:

📦 Printing has not kept up with demand

📚 Supply is lower than student requirement

🏫 Schools are struggling to get new books on time

Officials have described this as a “temporary demand-supply mismatch” rather than a permanent shortage.

🏃 Why Is NCERT Rushing to Fix It?

NCERT has accelerated printing on a “war footing” to:

Increase textbook supply quickly

Ensure schools don’t rely only on old books

Support the new NEP 2020 curriculum rollout

The government has also directed agencies to:

Improve printing capacity

Strengthen distribution networks

Speed up last-mile delivery to schools

🏫 How Schools Are Coping Right Now

Due to delays:

Many schools are still using old NCERT textbooks

Some are using digital versions or draft syllabi

Bridge courses are being used for transition learning

In some cases, teachers are adjusting lessons manually until books arrive.

📉 Why Only Half the Books Are Ready

The delay is mainly due to:

✏️ Large-scale syllabus revision under NEP 2020

🖨️ High printing demand across India

🔄 Simultaneous updates for multiple classes

📦 Distribution bottlenecks

NCERT has also confirmed that textbook rollout is phased, not one-time, meaning books are being introduced gradually across academic years.

📊 Simple Summary

Issue

Status

New textbooks designed

✅ Done

Printed copies available

⚠️ About 50%

School distribution

⚠️ Delayed in many areas

Full rollout

🔜 In progress

🧠 What This Means for Students

No syllabus cancellation

No loss of exams or content

Temporary adjustment with old books

Gradual transition to new NCERT books

🏁 Conclusion

NCERT is currently in a transition phase of major textbook revision, which has caused a short-term supply gap. While only about half the planned books are currently available, the situation is being actively addressed through increased printing and faster distribution.

👉 This is a temporary adjustment phase, not a long-term shortage.

 

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