NCERT Class 9 Textbooks: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced through a post on X that Class 9 textbooks are now available online, offering students access to the digital version through its official website. The move comes at a time when several regions across India are reporting a shortage of newly introduced textbooks in the open market.Reports suggest that non-availability of printed books has started affecting the academic calendar, with students facing delays in starting their coursework. While the online release is expected to ease access for some, concerns remain for those in remote areas where internet connectivity is consistently spotty.The textbooks were released online through the official portal.According to NCERT, soft copies of class 9 textbooks can now be obtained on its official website. Available topics include:0902 – Sanskrit: Sharda0903 – English: Cauvery0904 – Mathematics: Ganita Manjari (English Version)0906 – Science: Exploration (English version)0901 – Vault – Hindi4901 – Yamuna – Urdu0918 – Khel Parvin – Physical education and well-beingStudents can access these digital textbooks at any time, the council said, aiming to make learning more flexible and uninterrupted. For assistance, NCERT has also provided IVRS Helpline Number: 8800440559.Shortage notices disrupt academic schedules.Despite the digital rollout, reports from several states indicate that print versions of the newly introduced books are not yet widely available in bookstores. This has led to disruptions in classroom instruction and delays in lesson plans.A teacher from a government school in Uttar Pradesh told TOI Education on condition of anonymity, “We have got the updated syllabus, but without textbooks, it is difficult to start structured teaching. Many students are waiting for physical copies.”Similarly, a private school teacher in Maharashtra said, “Online books are helpful, but not all students have regular access to the devices. This creates an uneven situation in classrooms.”Students highlight access challenges in remote areas.Students also reported difficulties in accessing digital content, especially in regions with limited Internet connectivity. “We were told that books are online, but internet access is a problem here. Downloading entire books is not easy,” said a Class 9 student from rural Bihar.Another student from Rajasthan noted, “Some of us are sharing PDFs through mobile phones, but it’s not the same as reading a book.”Adding to these concerns, Dibanshi Basu, a class 9 student at a school in south Delhi, pointed out the difficulty in getting physical copies even in urban areas, saying, “So far no NCERT books for class 9 are available in bookstores. Books are available only on NCERT campuses and some online platforms/websites. But the books there sell out very quickly so we are not able to buy them. Also, prices in online platforms/websites are very high.“Digital access provides partial relief.While online availability is expected to help students quickly access the Internet, stakeholders say it may not completely replace the need for printed textbooks, especially in areas where digital infrastructure is limited.“The initiative ensures that studies do not come to a complete halt. However, for long-term learning, physical books are still essential for many students,” said a school principal in Delhi, requesting anonymity.NCERT has said that students and teachers can continue to raise queries through the helpline or official communication channels as the distribution of printed textbooks continues.
