No textbooks for CBSE Class 9 students as academic year begins amid confusion in schools

Thiruvananthapuram: Following controversies over Plus Two examinations, Class 9 students under CBSE are now facing difficulties as the new academic year progresses without the timely distribution of revised textbooks.

Even after schools have reopened, the updated Class 9 textbooks have not been distributed. Teachers are now uncertain about how to conduct regular classes without proper study materials. Although the academic year began in April in several northern states, the situation remained unchanged, and even after schools reopened in Kerala two months later, the same issue continues.

According to CBSE guidelines, textbooks are not distributed through schools but through private agencies. In some areas, a few copies of certain subjects have reached private bookstores in very limited numbers. However, school authorities say they are still waiting for full supply and there is no clarity on when all students will receive their books.

Some digital copies of subjects are available, but school officials say it is not practical to print and distribute them to all students. The first part of the Mathematics textbook is available in digital form, while Social Science textbooks have not yet been made available. This has created confusion among teachers regarding where to begin the syllabus.

Meanwhile, CBSE has also introduced changes related to the language policy for Classes 9 and 10, making the study of at least two Indian languages mandatory. Earlier, the board had planned to implement a three-language policy from Class 9 onwards. However, this decision has faced legal challenges from parents and others.

Although the Supreme Court did not grant an interim stay, it issued notice to CBSE, and the matter is scheduled for further hearing in mid-July. Due to this, teachers are also unclear about how to implement the language policy in classrooms.

As a result, both the textbook delay and uncertainty over language policy have left schools and teachers struggling to begin the academic year smoothly.