NCERT Class 9 social science textbook adds taxation, startups, and governance

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a revised Class 9 Social Science textbook for the 2026–27 academic session, bringing several contemporary themes into the curriculum, including personal finance, taxation, entrepreneurship, startups and governance.

Titled ‘Understanding Society: India and Beyond – Part 2’, the textbook has been developed as part of the curriculum revision under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

One of the new areas covered in the book is personal financial management. Students are introduced to basic financial concepts and examples related to income tax under the new tax regime. The chapter also discusses taxation as a civic responsibility and introduces concepts related to financial protection and insurance.

Entrepreneurship has also been given space through a chapter titled ‘From Ideas to Startups’. The chapter uses Indian business stories, including the journey of Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, to explain how small ideas and collective efforts can develop into large enterprises. It also introduces students to India’s growing startup ecosystem and unicorn companies.

Another addition focuses on ‘Governance and Public Policy’, covering concepts such as transparency, accountability, participation, inclusiveness and the rule of law. The chapter aims to help students understand how public institutions and policies influence society.

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The revised book also expands its treatment of historical themes through a section on ‘Resistance and Resilience (1000–1700 CE)’, covering regional powers, resistance movements and historical personalities. Meanwhile, the chapter ‘India and the World’ has been moved to Class 10.

The revised textbook reflects NCERT’s effort to connect classroom learning with areas students encounter in everyday life, while introducing broader social, economic and civic concepts at the secondary-school level.