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.