NCERT: Class 5, 8 Bridge Course Handbooks 2025 – 26 released

As a follow-up to the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and the subsequent National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS 2022) and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE 2023), the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is in the process of developing new syllabi and textbooks for all grades in a phased manner.

NEW SYLLABI AND TEXTBOOKS FOR 2025-26

In its third phase of implementation, NCERT is currently developing syllabi and textbooks for Grades 4, 5, 7, and 8, set to be introduced in the academic year 2025-26.

• Grade 4 students will seamlessly transition into the new textbooks as they have already been exposed to the updated curriculum in Grade 3.
• Grade 5 students, however, may face challenges due to a gap between what they studied in Grades 3 and 4 (under the old curriculum) and what they will study in Grade 5 (under the new curriculum).
• Similarly, Grade 8 students will experience a shift as they have studied Grades 6 and 7 using old textbooks but will now transition to new learning materials in their final year of the Middle Stage.

NEED FOR A BRIDGE PROGRAMME

To address these curriculum gaps and ensure a smooth transition to the new framework, there is a pressing need for academic support through a structured bridge programme. The earlier curriculum followed a constructivist approach, where competency-based learning was not a primary focus. However, NEP 2020 emphasizes competency-based education, and new textbooks are being designed accordingly.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE BRIDGE PROGRAMME

The bridge programme aims to create a fun-filled, engaging, and interactive classroom experience, helping students adapt seamlessly to the new curriculum. This will include:

• Enjoyable activities that encourage collaboration and communication.
• Interactive sessions allowing students to shed inhibitions and build confidence.
• Engaging projects such as treasure hunts, storytelling, role-playing, and group discussions.
• Play-based learning methodologies to enhance classroom participation and readiness for new learning approaches.

SIX-WEEK BRIDGE PROGRAMME FOR GRADE 8

Recognizing the academic and pedagogical challenges posed by the transition, NCERT has developed a six-week bridge programme specifically for Grade 8 students. This initiative aims to:

• Bridge the knowledge gap between old and new curricula.
• Prepare students and teachers for competency-based learning methodologies.
• Ensure smooth progression into higher grades by reinforcing essential skills.

CONCLUSION

The NCERT Bridge Programme is a strategic initiative designed to pave the path for effective learning in the new academic framework. By fostering a dynamic and student-friendly classroom environment, this programme ensures that students adapt effortlessly to competency-based education, ultimately enriching their learning experience and academic success.

HANDBOOKS