NCERT Introduces New Class 5 and 8 Textbooks, Makes Art Education Mandatory

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has rolled out newly designed textbooks for students of Classes 5 and 8 for the academic year 2025–26. These updates come as part of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE), which aims to improve learning outcomes and introduce activity-based education in Indian classrooms. One of the key highlights of this rollout is that art education has now been made compulsory in both classes, reflecting a more balanced and creative approach to learning.

I decided to write about this update because these changes directly affect millions of students, parents, and teachers across India. As someone who believes in holistic education, I find it encouraging that NCERT is focusing not just on academic performance but also on creativity and practical learning. These textbooks are not just new in design but also in approach — they include more hands-on activities, everyday examples, and visuals to make subjects easier to understand. It’s important to discuss what’s inside these books and how these changes could shape the way children learn in school.

What’s New in the Class 5 and 8 Textbooks?

The new textbooks have been created in line with the updated National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The changes are not just cosmetic — they aim to make learning more interactive and relatable.

Key Features of the New Books:

Activity-Based Learning: Every chapter has exercises that promote critical thinking and problem-solving.
Local Context: Many lessons use regional examples and cultural references to connect better with students.
Simplified Language: The language used is easier to understand and designed to improve comprehension.
Visual Learning: Illustrations, diagrams, and infographics are included more frequently to support visual learning.

For example, a science lesson on food now includes small kitchen experiments, and a maths chapter might begin with a story about a market scene.

Art Education Becomes a Core Subject

For the first time, NCERT has made art education compulsory for students of Classes 5 and 8. This move aligns with the NEP 2020 goal of integrating co-curricular activities into mainstream education. Students will now have structured lessons in drawing, music, craft, theatre, or dance, depending on what’s offered by the school.

This isn’t just about fun. It helps students build confidence, express themselves, and reduce the pressure of only academic performance. According to several educators, including those involved in drafting the curriculum, art also improves focus and creative problem-solving.

Teacher Training and Support

To help schools implement the new curriculum properly, NCERT is also conducting orientation and training sessions for teachers. Guidelines have been shared with state boards so that textbook content can be adapted regionally without losing the core objectives. Digital versions of the books are available on NCERT’s ePathshala platform, and supporting videos and materials are being created as well.

Why This Matters for Students and Parents

Many parents worry that too many curriculum changes might confuse students. But these updates are aimed at reducing rote learning and improving the actual understanding of concepts. Instead of just memorising facts, students will learn by doing and observing. That’s a good shift, especially at a time when creativity, adaptability, and practical knowledge are becoming just as important as textbook knowledge.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.