Balbharati Launches Revised Textbooks For Classes 2, 3, 4 And 6 Under NEP 2020Â
Balbharati Launches Revised Textbooks For Classes 2, 3, 4 And 6 Under NEP 2020
Pune, June 4, 2026: As students across Maharashtra prepare for a new academic year, they will be greeted with a fresh set of Balbharati textbooks designed to make learning more engaging, relatable and meaningful. For the first time, the Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research (Balbharati) has simultaneously revised textbooks for Classes 2, 3, 4 and 6, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The revamped textbooks place greater emphasis on understanding concepts rather than memorising facts, encouraging students to think, explore and connect classroom lessons with real-life experiences.
Speaking about the initiative, Balbharati Director Anuradha Oak said that nearly 78 percent of the books have already reached schools across the state. Around six crore textbooks have been printed for the 2026-27 academic year, and the distribution process is expected to be completed by the end of June.
The revision process involved months of consultation and review by subject experts, curriculum specialists, representatives from the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), and independent academic reviewers. Their collective efforts ensured that the content meets educational goals while remaining relevant to the needs of today’s learners.
One of the most notable changes is the effort to make learning more connected to students’ surroundings. Geography textbooks now include district-specific content, helping children better understand the places they live in and strengthening the link between classroom learning and local realities. To accommodate these regional variations, Balbharati has developed 328 versions of textbooks across Maharashtra.
The new books also reflect a stronger commitment to inclusivity. Illustrations feature children from diverse cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Students with disabilities are also represented through images of children using hearing aids, spectacles and assistive devices, helping create a sense of belonging and representation for all learners.
In a move towards digital integration, every textbook now carries QR codes that provide access to additional educational resources. These codes also help verify the authenticity of the books and contain details of the printing source.
Recognising the importance of student well-being, Balbharati has included information about support services such as Tele-MANAS, Manodarpan, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) e-Box and Child Helpline 1098. The inclusion of these resources aims to make students and parents aware of mental health and child protection support systems available to them.
Teachers, too, are expected to benefit from the revised books. Each textbook begins with clearly defined learning outcomes and includes guidance notes, classroom activity suggestions and teaching support integrated throughout the chapters.
To improve durability, Balbharati has upgraded the quality of the books using thicker paper and laminated covers. Additionally, every textbook now carries a watermark as part of a new anti-piracy measure, making it easier to identify genuine publications.
While the cost of textbooks has increased by approximately 8 to 10 percent this year due to higher printing expenses and expanded content, officials believe the improvements will enhance the overall learning experience for students.
Looking ahead, Balbharati is also exploring the possibility of introducing audio versions of textbooks, a step that could make educational content even more accessible for children with different learning needs.
With a stronger focus on understanding, inclusivity and technology, the revised textbooks aim to support a more student-friendly and future-ready education system across Maharashtra.
