CBSE issues fresh guidelines on use of NCERT books in schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a new circular providing updated guidelines regarding the use of NCERT textbooks in schools, as per the current affiliation Bye-Laws 2018. These guidelines emphasise the importance of using NCERT/SCERT textbooks and taking extreme care in selecting any supplementary materials to ensure that they do not contain objectionable content.

Current Guidelines:

As per the existing Bye-Laws, schools may prescribe NCERT textbooks in subjects where they are available. If schools choose to use books from private



publishers, they must ensure that these books do not contain any content that could offend any class, community, gender, or religious group.

Additionally, schools are required to publish a list of prescribed books on their website. This list must be accompanied by a written declaration signed by both the Manager and the Principal, confirming that they have reviewed the contents of the books and accept full responsibility for them. Should any objectionable content be found in these books, the school will be held accountable, and the Board will take appropriate action.