The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will introduce new competency-based textbooks for Grades 4, 5, 7, and 8 for the 2025-26 academic session. These textbooks will align with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 to enhance learning outcomes.
Bridge Programmes for Smooth Transition
To help students and teachers adjust to the new curriculum, Bridge Programmes (BP) will be available for Classes 5 and 8. These programs aim to ease the shift by providing structured learning support before the new textbooks are introduced.
Key Dates for Bridge Programme Material Availability:
- Grade 5 (Hindi, English, Urdu, Maths, TWAU, Arts, and PE): Available from March 25, 2025
- Grade 8 (All subjects): Available from March 25, 2025
- Grade 6 (All subjects): Already available online
Schools’ Role in Implementing Changes
Schools have been advised to:
- Conduct Bridge Programmes from April 1, 2025, to help students transition smoothly.
- Use activity-based learning to make the shift engaging, integrating arts, physical education, well-being, and skill education into the curriculum.
- Inform school heads, teachers, and parents about the updated time allocations and teaching methods as per NCF-SE 2023.
Training for Educators
To ensure effective implementation, NCERT will:
- Train key resource persons from CBSE, KVS, and NVS through online Capacity Building Programmes on the new textbooks and bridge courses.
With these changes, NCERT aims to create a more interactive, skills-focused education system that supports students’ holistic development.
