Citing “better quality”, the state government has decided to use NCERT books from the coming session. The objective behind the move is to incorporate the recommendations made in the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005, which have not been followed by the SCERT.

The NCERT books are also considered to be of better quality since they incorporate activity-based learning, and are more attractive, said sources.

Students of Classes IX to XII are already using NCERT textbooks. The books will, however, be revised over the next three years to include state-specific information.

A committee of experts from the SCERT, NCERT, academicians and officials will begin reviewing the books from May onwards.

Topics such as “My Delhi”, which talks about the city’s history, monuments and civic issues, will be added to the social science and language books by the review committee.

“Since states have to add state-specific chapters in the books according to the NCF, we have decided to use NCERT textbooks and add the topics accordingly,” said Education Secretary Rina Ray.

The YUVA school life skills programme, which involves hygiene, health and civic welfare activities, will also be incorporated in the books, probably in a story format, added Ray.

The use of NCERT textbooks in the lower classes will also help senior students since the chapters will be better linked with the NCERT books used in Classes IX to XII, sources said.

“Training sessions and workshops will be held in April to familiarise teachers with the new books and activity-based methods of teaching,” said B N Bajpai, Director of SCERT.

Students of Delhi government, MCD and NDMC schools will be provided the books free of cost. The government has also drafted a copyright agreement with the NCERT and will be printing the books. This is being done to ensure timely delivery of books, said sources.