NCERT Releases Revised Class 9 Social Science Textbook for 2026-27

NEW DELHI, Sept 30: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released the revised Class 9 Social Science textbook for the 2026-27 academic session, marking another step in the ongoing overhaul of school learning material under the new curriculum framework.

The book, titled Understanding Society: India and Beyond – Part 2, has been introduced as part of the phased rollout of updated Class 9 textbooks. Students, teachers, parents and schools can obtain the latest edition through NCERT’s authorised channels as the revised curriculum is gradually introduced across the country.

The release follows the introduction of the new Class 9 Mathematics textbook, Ganita Manjari – Part 2, which became available for purchase earlier in September. The Social Science volume was scheduled for release on September 30, completing another stage of the revised textbook rollout for the academic year.

The changes are linked to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. NCERT has been bringing out revised learning resources in stages as schools transition towards the updated curricular structure.

The latest Social Science book has attracted attention because of changes in the way historical and social themes are presented. Reports on the revised material have highlighted narratives involving kings and mythological traditions, including references to rulers receiving swords from goddesses. The inclusion of such material has prompted discussion over the presentation of history, culture and traditional narratives in school textbooks.

The textbook revision is part of a wider effort to align classroom resources with the new curriculum approach. Rather than replacing all school books at once, NCERT has been following a phased process under which textbooks for different classes and subjects are being updated at different stages.

For Class 9 students, the changes are particularly significant because the year represents an important transition between middle school and secondary education. Teachers will have to familiarise themselves with the revised content and adjust lesson planning, classroom discussions and assessment practices accordingly.

The introduction of new books also means that schools need to ensure that students are using the prescribed editions for the current academic session. NCERT has advised students and educational institutions to obtain textbooks through authorised sales channels.

The revised Mathematics textbook, Ganita Manjari – Part 2, was made available from September 21. The Social Science book was subsequently released according to the schedule announced for the 2026-27 session.

The rollout comes as schools across India continue adapting to curriculum changes introduced in recent years. NEP 2020 has called for changes in school education, including a greater emphasis on conceptual understanding, multidisciplinary learning, skills and reducing dependence on rote memorisation.

The NCF-SE 2023 provides the curricular framework for implementing these broader changes at the school level. NCERT’s revised textbooks are intended to translate the framework into classroom material that can be used by students and teachers.

The new Social Science book is expected to become an important classroom resource for Class 9 students during the current academic year. Teachers will play a central role in helping students understand the revised chapters and the context surrounding different historical, geographical, political and social themes.

The textbook release also comes at a time when the contents of school books are receiving increased public attention. Changes in historical narratives, terminology and the representation of India’s past can generate discussion among educators, parents, academics and students.

For schools, the immediate priority will be ensuring that teaching follows the updated syllabus and that students have access to the correct learning material. Educational institutions may also need to review lesson plans and supplementary resources to ensure consistency with the revised textbook.

NCERT’s latest release is therefore not simply an addition to the list of books available for Class 9 students. It represents another stage in the transition towards the curriculum envisioned under NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.

The phased approach also allows schools and teachers to gradually adapt to the revised content instead of making simultaneous changes across every grade. More textbook revisions are expected as the curriculum transition progresses.

For students beginning Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic year, the revised Social Science textbook will consequently form part of their regular classroom learning. The release gives schools access to the latest prescribed material while continuing NCERT’s broader process of updating school education resources.