NCERT Revamps Class 9 English Textbook with a Focus on Indian Literature
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a revised English textbook for Class 9, featuring a streamlined syllabus and a greater emphasis on works by Indian authors. The updated book aims to deepen students’ connection with the country’s literary heritage while maintaining a balanced selection of international voices.
A Shift Towards Indigenous Voices
In the previous curriculum, which was in use from the 2006-07 academic session through 2025-26, the English syllabus comprised 29 pieces, with 15 of them authored by foreign writers. The newly released textbook, however, significantly alters this ratio. It now contains a total of 16 texts, with contributions from Indian and international authors being nearly equal. This deliberate change is designed to ensure that students gain a more robust familiarity with their own nation’s literary traditions.
The new book, titled “Kaveri,” opens with a story taken from Sudha Murty’s 2004 collection, *How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories*. Sudha Murty, a noted author and Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, is one of the several prominent Indian writers featured in the updated syllabus.
Prominent Indian Contributors
The textbook places a strong emphasis on Indian literary figures. Eight of the sixteen chapters are penned by Indian authors, including celebrated names such as the Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore, Naga writer Temsula Ao, and Assamese novelist Mitra Phukan. Their inclusion underscores a concerted effort to introduce students to a diverse range of regional and classical Indian literature.
International Selections Retained
While Indian writing takes center stage, the curriculum still retains a significant number of international works. Six chapters are attributed to foreign authors, including American poet David Roth, English poet Charles Swain, American children’s author Bryanna T. Perkins, poet Robert Langley, writer Maya Anthony, and Singapore-based author Irene Chua. This mix ensures that students are not isolated from global literary trends and perspectives.
Structural Changes and New Additions
Beyond the change in content, the NCERT has also simplified the structural framework for the subject. Previously, the Class 9 English course required two separate textbooks: “Beehive” and “Moments.” These have now been consolidated into a single volume, “Kaveri,” which aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. The number of prescribed texts has been reduced from 29 to 16, making the syllabus more concise and manageable for students.
The new book also integrates elements of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), a pedagogical approach that seeks to root modern education in traditional Indian wisdom. In addition to the works of famous authors, the textbook includes an anonymous poem titled “Gifts of Grace: Honoring Our Vocations.” It also features a piece called “The World of Limitless Possibilities,” which is based on an interview with the renowned Paralympic athlete Deepa Malik, offering students insight into her life, challenges, and achievements.
This overhaul reflects a broader educational strategy to make learning more culturally relevant and contextually grounded for Indian students, while still preparing them for a globalized world.
