NCERT launches new class 8 textbooks aligned with NEP 2020

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a set of new textbooks for Class 8. These are developed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and follow the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF‑SE) 2023. The new books aim to shift learning from rote memorisation to a creative, multidisciplinary, and skills-driven approach.

What’s in the New Books?

NCERT has released the following titles for Class 8, each serving a clear and distinct purpose:

Science – Curiosity: Integrates study of physics, chemistry, biology, and real-world examples like vaccine development, ISRO missions, and Ayurveda.

Social Science – Exploring Society, India and Beyond: Covers history, geography, economics, and governance with a focus on medieval to modern India. It features a special section called “A Note on History’s Darker Period” to encourage critical thinking.

English – Poorvi: Includes stories, poems, and dialogues centred on Indian icons such as Major Somnath Sharma, Verghese Kurien, and Bibha Choudhuri – designed to build language skills and national awareness.

Hindi – Malhaar: Aims to boost language skills, literary appreciation, and emotional learning using poems and stories.

Art – Kriti: An art education text made compulsory under NEP to nurture creativity through music, drama, and visual arts.

Vocational Education – Kaushal Bodh: Introduces students to practical and hands‑on skill-based learning, helping them to be prepared for employment and entrepreneurship.

Why This Matters

Holistic and Skill-Based Learning

These books promote hands-on activities, creativity, and critical thinking over memorisation.

Multidisciplinary Integration

Subjects are taught together – science linked with economics, art with history – mirroring real-world connections.

Rooted in Indian Culture and Achievements

Students are introduced to India’s scientific heritage – from ancient ideas like parmanu to modern ISRO missions and national heroes.

Balanced Historical Perspective

Texts on sensitive topics, such as the darker parts of history, are approached sensitively to encourage critical reflection rather than judgment.

Status and Distribution

These books are being rolled out in government and private schools across India for the 2025–26 academic year. Some reports suggest English texts are already available, while delivery of Hindi, Science, and Social Science volumes may be staggered. NCERT has made PDFs available online and aims to print over 15 crore copies to meet demand.