Can I use RTI to find out exactly which topics were deleted or shortened during a recent NCERT textbook revision, and why?

Yes. NCERT is a public authority under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005, and its decisions about textbook content — including additions, deletions, and shortenings — are administrative decisions that must be documented in file notings, committee minutes, or official orders. You can file RTI asking for: (1) the minutes of the curriculum or textbook revision committee that decided on the changes; (2) the criteria or guidelines applied when removing or reducing a topic; and (3) any official note or communication in which the decision to remove or shorten a specific topic was recorded. NCERT may claim that deliberative process notes are exempt under Section 8(1)(i) of the RTI Act (which protects cabinet papers and 'the process of deliberation of Ministers'), but this exemption applies to ministerial deliberation — not to decisions made by an autonomous educational body like NCERT at the working-committee level. Persist through the first appeal if NCERT withholds the information without a specific, justified exemption.

How do I find out who sat on the expert committee that revised a particular NCERT textbook?

Ask NCERT for the composition of the subject-specific textbook development committee or revision committee for the textbook in question. NCERT routinely constitutes committees of academics, school teachers, subject specialists, and curriculum experts for each revision exercise. The names, institutional affiliations, and terms of reference of such committees are administrative records that NCERT holds and must disclose under RTI unless a specific exemption applies. In your RTI application, mention the textbook by name, subject, and class (e.g., 'History Textbook for Class XII, revised in 2023–24'), and ask for the composition of the drafting or review committee, the date of its constitution, and its terms of reference. NCERT publishes some committee names in the front matter of printed textbooks — but full composition, including members who may have resigned or been replaced mid-process, is best confirmed through RTI.

Can RTI reveal the financial details of NCERT's textbook printing contracts, and why does that matter?

Yes. NCERT prints and distributes textbooks at subsidised prices across India, and the printing contracts are public procurement contracts that are fully disclosable under RTI. You can request the total contract value, the name of the printing agency, the number of copies ordered per title, the mode of procurement (open tender, limited tender, or nomination basis), and how books are shipped to states and union territories. This information matters because: (1) it allows citizens, journalists, and researchers to verify whether procurement norms were followed; (2) it helps assess whether distribution targets for rural and disadvantaged students are being met; and (3) it provides accountability on whether subsidised prices to schools reflect the actual printing and logistics cost. If NCERT claims commercial confidentiality for third-party vendor details under Section 8(1)(d), you can ask, at minimum, for the aggregate contract value and the mode of procurement — these do not constitute commercially sensitive third-party information.

NCERT has not updated certain digital content on DIKSHA for several years. Can RTI help?

Yes. NCERT's digital content on the DIKSHA platform — including QR-code-linked e-content in printed textbooks, video modules, and supplementary material — is prepared and maintained by NCERT as part of its public mandate. You can file RTI asking: (1) whether NCERT has a policy or guideline governing the review and update cycle for digital content linked to textbooks; (2) the date on which the digital content for a specific subject and class was last reviewed or updated; (3) whether any committee or body has been designated to oversee digital content quality; and (4) whether NCERT has received any complaints about outdated or inaccurate digital content and what action was taken. If RTI discloses that no review mechanism exists or that content has not been updated for several years despite the corresponding printed textbook being revised, that RTI response can be used to file a public grievance with the Ministry of Education or to support a complaint to the CIC.

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How to File RTI for NCERT Textbooks and School Curriculum

Q: What is the correct appeal process if NCERT does not respond to my RTI application or gives an unsatisfactory answer?

If NCERT does not respond within 30 days, or if the response is incomplete, incorrect, or unjustifiably refuses to disclose information, you have two levels of appeal. First Appeal under Section 19(1): File a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) at NCERT — the FAA's name and contact details are required to be published on NCERT's website under its RTI disclosure obligations. File the First Appeal within 30 days of the date of decision or expiry of the 30-day response period, whichever is applicable. The FAA must decide within 30 days (extendable to 45 days with written reasons). Second Appeal under Section 19(3): If the FAA also does not respond satisfactorily, file a Second Appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC). NCERT is a body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India — a Central Government public authority — so the second appeal always lies with the CIC, never with a State Information Commission. Under Section 20 of the RTI Act, the CIC can impose a penalty of ₹250 per day on the CPIO for each day of unjustified delay, up to a maximum of ₹25,000, and can recommend disciplinary action.

Step-by-step guide to file RTI with NCERT for curriculum review committee minutes, criteria for including or excluding topics, expert committee composition, textbook revision timelines, printing and distribution contracts, and digital content policy. Includes sample draft and FAQs.

Updated 1 Jun 2026

Quick Facts

MinistryMinistry of Education

Address RTI ToCPIO, NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi – 110016

Application Fee₹10 under RTI (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005. Free for BPL cardholders.

Response Time30 days from receipt (Section 7(1), RTI Act 2005). 48 hours if the matter involves life or liberty.

File Online Athttps://rtionline.gov.in

All information on this page is based on the Right to Information Act, 2005 (Act No. 22 of 2005) and the RTI (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005. First Appeal: Section 19(1). Second Appeal to CIC/SIC: Section 19(3).

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is the apex body responsible for developing school curricula, designing textbooks, and advising the Central and State Governments on school education policy in India. Established as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education, NCERT shapes what millions of students across the country study every year — through its National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs), subject syllabi, printed textbooks for Classes I to XII, and digital content on the DIKSHA platform.

NCERT is a public authority under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005. Its decisions on curriculum design, textbook content, expert committee composition, procurement of printing services, and digital content development are administrative decisions backed by records that citizens — parents, educators, researchers, and journalists — have a right to access.

What Can You Achieve with RTI to NCERT?

Filing an RTI application with NCERT can help you access information that is rarely published proactively and is otherwise available only through sustained media or judicial pressure:

Curriculum review committee minutes: Obtain the official minutes of meetings where curriculum changes or National Curriculum Framework revisions were discussed and decided — including who attended, what was proposed, and what was approved
Topic inclusion and exclusion criteria: Find out the documented criteria or guidelines that govern why specific topics, chapters, or learning objectives are added to, retained in, or removed from textbooks — particularly relevant when contentious deletions become a matter of public debate
Expert committee composition: Identify the names, designations, and institutional affiliations of the subject specialists and academics who sat on textbook development or revision committees — and whether the composition reflects disciplinary breadth and diversity
Textbook revision timelines: Get an official, current picture of which textbooks are under revision, when manuscripts are expected to be finalised, when printing is likely to begin, and from which academic session revised books will reach schools
Printing and distribution contracts: Access the financial and procurement details of NCERT's bulk printing contracts — including the contractor's name, total contract value, number of copies, and the mode of procurement used (open tender, limited tender, or nomination)
Digital content policy: Understand how NCERT governs the creation, review, and update of digital content linked to its textbooks on the DIKSHA platform, and who is responsible for ensuring that e-content remains accurate and current

Where to File: The Right Authority

RTI applications to NCERT should be addressed to the CPIO, NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi – 110016. NCERT is a single, centrally located public authority — unlike CBSE, which has regional offices across India, NCERT's administrative and academic functions are concentrated at its New Delhi headquarters.

If your information request concerns a specific NCERT Regional Institute of Education (RIE) — for example, the RIE in Bhopal, Ajmer, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, or Shillong — and the information is generated or held by that institute rather than NCERT's headquarters, you may address the RTI to the CPIO of the relevant Regional Institute. However, most curriculum, textbook, and procurement-related information originates at NCERT's headquarters and should be directed there.

On rtionline.gov.in, NCERT is listed as a public authority under the Ministry of Education. Select Ministry of Education as the ministry and then choose National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) from the list of public authorities.

How to File: Step by Step

Filing RTI with NCERT through the national online portal is the simplest route:

Visit rtionline.gov.in and log in with your registered mobile number and OTP, or register a new account if this is your first RTI filing.
Click "Submit Request" on your dashboard. You will be directed to the RTI application form.
Select the public authority: Under Ministry / Department, choose Ministry of Education. In the public authority list, select National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
Write your application: Type your request in the text box provided. The portal allows up to 3,000 characters. For a detailed application — such as one covering multiple information requests across curriculum, printing contracts, and digital content — type a summary in the text box and attach your full application as a PDF (maximum 1 MB).
Pay the fee and submit: Pay ₹10 online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. BPL cardholders are exempt from the fee and should attach a self-attested copy of their BPL certificate as a PDF. On submission, you will receive a registration number — retain this for tracking your application on the same portal.

NCERT is required to respond within 30 days of receipt under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, 2005. If the matter involves life or liberty, the response must be provided within 48 hours under the proviso to Section 7(1).

What Specific Information Can You Ask For?

Structure your RTI into distinct, numbered points. Each point should ask for one clear and specific type of information, making it easier for NCERT's CPIO to process and for you to follow up if any point is not answered.

Curriculum Review and Policy

Minutes of all meetings of the Curriculum Review Committee (or equivalent body) constituted to revise the National Curriculum Framework or any subject-specific syllabus — specifying the date range of meetings, agenda items, decisions taken, and attendance
The criteria, guidelines, or official framework used by NCERT to decide which topics, chapters, or learning objectives are included in or excluded from textbooks for any particular class or subject — and copies of any policy document or official note recording such criteria
The number of rounds of internal review a textbook manuscript undergoes before final approval, and the composition of the body responsible for that final review

Expert and Subject Committees

Names, professional designations, and institutional affiliations of all members of the subject committee or textbook development committee constituted for the revision of Subject, Class textbooks — including the date of constitution and the terms of reference
Whether any member resigned from or was removed from a revision committee before the committee's work was concluded — and if so, the reason on record
The process by which NCERT selects members for curriculum and textbook committees — whether through open applications, nominations, or invitation — and the criteria for eligibility

Textbook Revision Timeline

A list of all NCERT textbooks (by subject and class) that are currently under revision as of the date of this application, the stage of revision each textbook is currently in (drafting, review, printing, etc.), and the projected date of availability to schools
The total number of revisions carried out for each textbook (subject and class) in the last ten years, with the year of each revision
The academic session from which the most recently revised edition of textbooks for Classes specify is expected to be made available in schools affiliated to CBSE and other boards that follow NCERT textbooks

Printing and Distribution Contracts

Details of all printing contracts awarded by NCERT for the academic year(s) YYYY and YYYY — including the name(s) of the printing agency or contractor, total contract value, number of copies per title, and the mode of procurement (open tender, limited tender, nomination, etc.)
The mechanism used to distribute textbooks from printing presses to states and union territories — including whether distribution is handled directly by NCERT or through state governments or other intermediaries
Whether any complaint or audit observation has been received regarding the quality of printing or delays in distribution for any recent academic year, and the action taken on such complaints

Digital Content and DIKSHA

NCERT's current policy or guidelines (if any) governing the development, review, update, and removal of digital content — including e-textbooks, QR-code-linked video modules, and supplementary material — on the DIKSHA platform or any other NCERT-managed digital portal
The date on which digital content linked to textbooks for Classes specify and subject specify was last reviewed and updated, and the name of the body or committee responsible for that review
Whether NCERT maintains a record of complaints or feedback received about incorrect or outdated digital content — and if so, the number of such complaints received in the last two years and the action taken

Appeals If NCERT Does Not Respond

First Appeal (Section 19(1)): If NCERT does not respond within 30 days, or if the information provided is incomplete or the refusal is not justified, file a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) at NCERT. The FAA's name and contact details must be published on NCERT's website under its RTI disclosure obligations (available at ncert.nic.in). File the First Appeal within 30 days of the date of decision or expiry of the 30-day response period, whichever is applicable. The FAA must decide within 30 days (extendable to 45 days with written reasons).

Second Appeal (Section 19(3)): If the FAA's response is also absent or unsatisfactory, file a Second Appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC). NCERT is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India — a Central Government public authority — and the second appeal therefore lies exclusively with the CIC, not with any State Information Commission. File the Second Appeal within 90 days of the FAA's decision (or the expiry of the period within which the FAA was required to decide).

Under Section 20 of the RTI Act, the CIC can impose a penalty of ₹250 per day on the CPIO for each day of unjustified delay or non-disclosure, up to a maximum of ₹25,000. The CIC can also recommend disciplinary action against the CPIO.

Practical tip: NCERT proactively publishes some curriculum documents, committee reports, and the front matter of textbooks (which often lists drafting committee members) on ncert.nic.in. Browse the website before filing RTI to confirm what is already in the public domain — this helps you sharpen your RTI to focus on information that NCERT has not yet published, rather than spending your 30-day window on requests for material you could have downloaded directly.

Sample RTI Application Draft

To,
The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO),
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT),
Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi – 110016

Subject: Application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 — Curriculum Review Committee Minutes, Topic Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria, Expert Committee Composition, Textbook Revision Timeline, Printing and Distribution Contracts, and Digital Content Policy

Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Full Name], residing at [Your Full Address], submit this application under Section 6 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, to seek the following information related to NCERT's curriculum development, textbook revision, and publication processes:

Information sought:

1. The minutes of all meetings of the Curriculum Review Committee (or equivalent body) constituted by NCERT to review or revise the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) or any subject-specific syllabus in the period from [Start Year] to [End Year] — including the date of each meeting, the agenda discussed, decisions taken, and the names and designations of members who attended.

2. The criteria and guidelines applied by NCERT for including a topic, chapter, or learning objective in a school textbook for Classes I–XII — and similarly, the criteria or process followed when a topic is removed, substantially shortened, or relocated from a textbook during a revision exercise. If such criteria are recorded in any policy document, guideline, or official note, please provide a copy.

3. The composition of the expert committee(s) or subject committees constituted by NCERT for the revision of textbooks in [Subject(s) — e.g., History, Science, Social Science, Political Science] for Classes [e.g., VI to XII] — specifically: (a) the names and professional designations of all members; (b) their institutional affiliation at the time of appointment; (c) the date of constitution of each committee and the tenure for which members were appointed; and (d) the terms of reference given to each committee.

4. The current status and projected timeline for the revision of NCERT textbooks for Classes [e.g., VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII] — including: (a) which subjects and classes are currently under revision; (b) the expected date of finalisation of revised manuscripts; (c) the expected date of printing and distribution; and (d) the academic session from which the revised textbooks are to be introduced in schools.

5. The details of printing and distribution contracts awarded by NCERT for the supply of textbooks for the academic year(s) [YYYY] and [YYYY] — including: (a) the name(s) of the printing agency or contractor; (b) the total value of each contract; (c) the number of copies printed per subject and class; (d) the mode of procurement (tender, limited quotation, nomination, etc.); and (e) the distribution mechanism used to supply books to states and union territories.

6. NCERT's policy or guidelines (if any) governing the development, hosting, and revision of digital content — including e-textbooks, supplementary reading material, and audio-visual content — available on the DIKSHA platform or any NCERT-managed portal, and whether a committee or body oversees the content before it is published online.

I am enclosing the application fee of Rs. 10 [via online payment on rtionline.gov.in; Reference No.: [Payment Ref]].

I request the above information within 30 days as required under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, 2005.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Complete Address]
Phone: [Your 10-digit Mobile Number]
Email: [[email protected]]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Replace all text in [square brackets] with your actual details before filing. Do not include the brackets in your submission.

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