The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has officially revised the prices of school textbooks for the academic year 2025. These changes impact students from Class 1 to 12 in CBSE-affiliated schools and other state boards that follow the NCERT curriculum.
The updated pricing comes as part of NCERT’s efforts to account for rising printing costs, paper expenses, and nationwide textbook distribution reforms. However, the council has also introduced new discount schemes and digital options to make books more affordable and accessible to all students under the ncert 2025 initiative.
Why Were NCERT Textbook Prices Changed?
Over the past few years, NCERT has maintained relatively stable textbook prices. However, the 2025 price revision was triggered due to:
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A 22% increase in printing and raw material costs
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Inclusion of updated NEP 2020-aligned content
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Inflation in transportation and warehousing
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Expansion of free textbook schemes under central and state projects
The council has stated that the price increase is modest and only applies to physical copies. E-books and open-access PDFs remain free of cost on official platforms.
Revised NCERT Book Prices in 2025
As per the updated catalogue, the new prices are:
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Primary classes (1–5): ₹60 to ₹120 per book
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Middle classes (6–8): ₹90 to ₹150 per book
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Secondary classes (9–10): ₹110 to ₹180 per book
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Senior Secondary (11–12): ₹130 to ₹220 per book (subject-wise)
Optional subjects, lab manuals, and language supplements may cost extra. Price tags are printed on each book cover and enforced uniformly across schools and sellers.
The updated prices apply to all 2025 editions of NCERT books printed after January 1, 2025. Schools must now issue booklists accordingly to avoid confusion.
Where to Buy NCERT Books at Discounted Rates
To help families manage educational expenses, NCERT has partnered with several online and offline platforms offering discounted prices:
1. NCERT Official Portal (ncert.nic.in/textbook.php)
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Direct purchase of books at MRP
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Bulk discounts of 10–15% for schools and NGOs
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Free shipping on orders above ₹500
2. Government-Run Kendriya Bhandars and Book Depots
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Available in district centers and state capitals
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Prices 5–10% below MRP during April–June academic season
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Special counters for EWS/BPL families
3. E-commerce Platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal)
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Seasonal discounts ranging from 10–20%
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Delivery across India within 3–5 days
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Ensure the seller is NCERT-authorized to avoid pirated copies
4. State Government Schemes
States like Delhi, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu are distributing NCERT books free of cost in government schools. Students must contact their school authorities for distribution dates and eligibility.
5. School Book Fairs and Local Vendors
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Many schools organize low-cost fairs in April–May
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Local bookshops may offer combo deals on full sets with notebooks
Digital Access to NCERT Books Remains Free
Under the ncert 2025 update, students can still access all NCERT textbooks free of charge in PDF format via:
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ePathshala App (by NCERT & MHRD)
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DIKSHA Portal
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CBSE Academic website
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State SCERT learning apps
The digital versions are aligned with physical books, making it easier for students to refer while traveling, revising, or during online classes. Some platforms also offer audio books and interactive videos for classes 6–12.
NCERT has clarified that no student should be denied learning access due to cost barriers and schools are advised to promote digital literacy and free e-textbooks.
Guidelines for Schools and Bookstores
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Schools must not compel parents to buy from a specific seller
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Booklists must be updated to reflect only NCERT 2025 editions
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Old stock from 2023–24 should not be sold unless clearly labeled
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Schools must accept both print and digital formats for reading use
Parents are encouraged to compare prices, use government resources, and recycle old books if the edition has not changed significantly.
FAQs
Have NCERT textbook prices increased for all classes?
Yes, prices have been revised for Classes 1–12 to reflect updated printing and content costs. The increase varies by class and subject but remains modest.
Where can I get NCERT books at the lowest price?
The NCERT official website, Kendriya Bhandars, and select e-commerce sites offer 10–20% discounts. Government schools also distribute them for free in some states.
Are NCERT PDFs still available for free?
Yes. All NCERT books are available in PDF format on the ePathshala and DIKSHA platforms without any charges.
Can schools force parents to buy books from one vendor?
No. As per CBSE and NCERT guidelines, schools cannot mandate any one seller. Parents are free to buy from any authorized outlet or online platform.
Are the 2024 NCERT books still valid?
In many subjects, the syllabus and chapters have been updated under the NEP 2020 structure. It is advised to use only 2025 editions for the current academic year.
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