NCERT Textbooks: Complete List and Overview

Introduction to NCERT

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organization set up in 1961 by the Government of India to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programs for qualitative improvement in school education. NCERT provides academic and technical support for improvement of school education through its constituents.

One of the major initiatives of NCERT is the development and publication of textbooks for school education. These books are designed to provide comprehensive knowledge to students and are widely used as the standard reference material across schools in India that follow various education boards including CBSE and many state boards.

Importance of NCERT Textbooks

NCERT textbooks serve multiple purposes in the Indian education system:

• They provide a standardized content framework across the country
• They form the basis for entrance examinations like JEE, NEET, and UPSC
• They cover the prescribed syllabus comprehensively yet concisely
• They emphasize conceptual understanding over rote memorization
• They include appropriate examples, illustrations, and exercises for practice
• They are updated regularly to include current developments and knowledge

NCERT Textbooks for Primary Classes (Classes 1-5)

The primary education textbooks focus on building foundational skills in languages and basic concepts in mathematics and environmental studies. The books are designed to be engaging with colorful illustrations and interactive content.

NCERT Textbooks for Upper Primary Classes (Classes 6-8)

At the upper primary level, the curriculum expands to include Science and Social Sciences as separate subjects, building on the Environmental Studies foundation from primary classes.

NCERT Textbooks for Secondary Classes (Classes 9-10)

The secondary level textbooks are designed to help students prepare for board examinations while building upon their foundational knowledge.

Class 9

• English: Beehive, Moments
• Hindi: Kshitij, Kritika, Sparsh, Sanchayan
• Mathematics: Mathematics
• Science: Science
• Social Science: Democratic Politics (Civics), Contemporary India (Geography), India and the Contemporary World (History), Economics
• Sanskrit: Shemushi

Class 10

• English: First Flight, Footprints Without Feet
• Hindi: Kshitij, Kritika, Sparsh, Sanchayan
• Mathematics: Mathematics
• Science: Science
• Social Science: Democratic Politics II (Civics), Contemporary India II (Geography), India and the Contemporary World II (History), Understanding Economic Development
• Sanskrit: Shemushi

NCERT Textbooks for Senior Secondary Classes (Classes 11-12)

At the senior secondary level, books are designed according to different streams (Science, Commerce, Humanities) and prepare students for higher education and competitive examinations.

Class 11 - Science Stream

• Mathematics: Mathematics
• Physics: Physics Part I & II
• Chemistry: Chemistry Part I & II
• Biology: Biology
• Computer Science: Computer Science

Class 12 - Science Stream

• Mathematics: Mathematics Part I & II
• Physics: Physics Part I & II
• Chemistry: Chemistry Part I & II
• Biology: Biology
• Computer Science: Computer Science

Class 11 - Commerce Stream

• Accountancy: Financial Accounting Part I & II
• Business Studies: Business Studies
• Economics: Indian Economic Development, Statistics for Economics

Class 12 - Commerce Stream

• Accountancy: Accountancy Part I & II
• Business Studies: Business Studies Part I & II
• Economics: Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Macroeconomics

Class 11 - Humanities Stream

• History: Themes in World History
• Political Science: Political Theory, Indian Constitution at Work
• Geography: Fundamentals of Physical Geography, India Physical Environment, Practical Work in Geography
• Economics: Indian Economic Development, Statistics for Economics
• Sociology: Introducing Sociology, Society in India
• Psychology: Introduction to Psychology
• Philosophy: Introduction to Philosophy

Class 12 - Humanities Stream

• History: Themes in Indian History Part I, II & III
• Political Science: Contemporary World Politics, Politics in India Since Independence
• Geography: Fundamentals of Human Geography, India People and Economy, Practical Work in Geography Part II
• Economics: Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Macroeconomics
• Sociology: Indian Society, Social Change and Development in India
• Psychology: Psychology
• Philosophy: Philosophy

Languages in Classes 11-12

• English: Hornbill, Snapshots (Class 11); Flamingo, Vistas (Class 12)
• Hindi: Aroh, Vitan (Class 11); Aroh, Vitan (Class 12)
• Sanskrit: Bhaswati, Shashwati (Class 11); Bhaswati (Class 12)
• Urdu: Gulistan-e-Adab, Nawa-e-Urdu (Class 11)/Khayaban-e-Urdu (Class 12)

How to Access NCERT Textbooks

NCERT textbooks can be obtained through various means:

• Physical copies: Available at authorized bookstores across India
• e-Books: Free digital versions available on the official NCERT website (www.ncert.nic.in)
• Mobile app: Available on the ePathshala app developed by NCERT
• PDF downloads: Free PDF versions available for download from the NCERT website

Tips for Effective Use of NCERT Textbooks

• Read the chapters thoroughly to understand the basic concepts before referring to supplementary materials
• Solve all the exercises given at the end of each chapter
• Pay attention to the examples and illustrations provided in the books
• Understand the highlighted definitions and key terms carefully
• Create summary notes for each chapter for quick revision
• Practice the numerical problems given in Mathematics and Science textbooks
• Relate the concepts to real-life applications to enhance understanding
• For competitive exam preparation, focus on the in-text questions and summary sections

Conclusion

NCERT textbooks form the backbone of school education in India. Their comprehensive coverage, logical presentation, and alignment with national educational goals make them invaluable resources for students. Whether preparing for school examinations, board exams, or competitive entrance tests, a thorough study of NCERT textbooks provides a strong foundation in various subjects.

The wide range of textbooks across all classes and subjects ensures continuity and progressive learning. By following the systematic approach to learning that these books offer, students can develop not just subject knowledge but also critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.