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NCERT introduces emergency chapter in class 9 textbook after 50 years
NCERT adds Emergency section to Class 9 textbook for first time in 50 years, describing it as a major challenge to Indian democracy. The new book reaches schools in 2026.
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For 50 years, the 1975–77 Emergency was absent from Class 9 textbooks in India. That changed this year. NCERT added a full section to the new Social Science book Understanding Society: India and Beyond. An NCERT official confirmed this is the first time the topic appears at that grade level.
The chapter presents the Emergency as a major challenge to Indian democracy. It describes the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, and the arrest of political leaders. The text highlights Jayaprakash Narayan's role in mobilizing protests in Bihar and Gujarat.
“In June 1975, a National Emergency was imposed by the government on the grounds of internal disturbance. During this period, a majority of Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored, and numerous political leaders and activists were arrested.”
The book frames the lifting of the Emergency and the 1977 general election as a vindication of democratic processes. “The defeat of the ruling government demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy and highlighted the importance of Democracy,” it states.
The Emergency section sits inside a broader discussion on challenges to democracy. Other topics include fake news, misinformation, vandalism, poverty, regionalism, social discrimination, and gender inequality. A new section called “Democracy and You” appears for the first time. NCERT says it helps students connect classroom learning with civic participation.