CBSE Announces New Competency-Based Textbooks for Classes 4,5,7, and 8 for Academic Year 2025-26

Attention all!

A crucial CBSE update is on the way. Get ready for a fresh approach to learning because CBSE has just announced some exciting changes that are set to make classrooms even more engaging and skill focused.

Can you imagine textbooks that not only teach concepts but also help you apply what you learn in a meaningful way? Well, that's exactly what CBSE is rolling out with their brand-new competency-based textbooks for students in Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8.

In a circular dated March 26, 2025, CBSE announced that NCERT will release new competency-based textbooks aligned with the NCF-SE, 2023 for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 in the 2025–26 academic session.

What are Competency-Based Textbooks?

Competency-based textbooks are designed to include questions that assess student’s understanding of concepts beyond simple recall. These books emphasise practical application, ensuring students’ can use their knowledge in real-world scenarios rather than just memorising facts.

Example:
Normal Questions: Define photosynthesis.
CBSE Competency-Based Question: Your friend thinks plants get food from the soil. How would you explain the process by which plants actually make their food?
Initially, these type of questions were introduced in CBSE Board Class 10 to prepare students for higher secondary education. Now, they are being incorporated gradually across different classes.

Along with competency-based textbooks, the NCERT has also developed Bridge Programmes (BP) for Classes 5 and 8. These programmes aim to help students and educators transition to the updated curriculum. 

Timeline for Availability of Textbooks and Teaching—Learning Material

CBSE has released the following schedules for the availability of textbooks and teaching-learning material.

Bridge Programme:

New Competency-Based Textbooks:

Key Highlights Released by NCERT

• Before rolling out the new textbooks for Grades 5, 6, and 8, schools must conduct bridge programmes starting 01 April, 2025. These programmes will help students smoothly shift from the old curriculum to the new one.  
• Also, NCERT encourages schools to create engaging activity-based learning environment for students entering Grades 5, 6, and 8 in 2025–26.
• Moreover, to align with the new learning approach, schools will have to adjust their schedules based on the NCF-SE, 2023 guidelines. It is important to adapt schedules as per local needs and school-specific requirements.
• Lastly, to ensure a smooth transition, NCERT will train key resource persons from CBSE, KVS, and NVS through an online Capacity Building Programme starting 25 March, 2025. A detailed schedule will be shared soon. 

Source

Official Circular by CBSE, 26 March, 2025: click here to read.

Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the CBSE, NCERT, Ministry of Education, and Government of India.

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