In a significant move aimed at benefiting students from classes IX to XII in its English-medium schools, the Uttar Pradesh Board will publish NCERT textbooks in English starting from the 2026-27 academic session. This initiative is expected to directly benefit nearly 2.5 lakh students who have long faced challenges due to the lack of affordable English-medium study material under the UP Board system.
Addressing the Textbook Gap
The non-availability of textbooks in English has been one of the most pressing issues for English-medium students in UP Board schools. Although many schools conduct classes in English, students have historically been provided with books in Hindi. This forced them to rely on expensive books from private publishers, creating a financial burden for many families.
Officials have stated that the new arrangement will ensure the easy availability of low-cost, NCERT-based English-medium textbooks covering subjects from the High School and Intermediate syllabus. These books will be provided to students in classes IX to XII studying in government, aided, and recognized unaided schools affiliated with the board.
Growing Demand for English Medium
According to UP Board estimates, nearly 50 to 52 lakh students register for exams every year. Among them, more than 1 lakh students pursue their studies in English-medium schools. Recognizing this growing demand, preparations have now begun for the publication and distribution of books in English as well.
Academic experts believe that this decision will particularly benefit students from rural areas and economically weaker families, who often struggle to purchase expensive books. Board secretary Bhagwati Singh emphasized that the initiative would improve access to quality educational material and strengthen learning standards in UP Board schools.
Encouraging English-Medium Education
Officials believe that the move will encourage more students to opt for English-medium education in government and aided schools without worrying about the high cost of books. By providing affordable, NCERT-based textbooks, the UP Board aims to level the playing field and ensure that all students have access to high-quality educational resources.
The decision has been widely welcomed by educators and parents alike, who see it as a step towards bridging the gap between Hindi and English-medium education in the state. With the implementation set for 2026-27, the board is now working on the logistics of publication and distribution to ensure a smooth rollout.
