In a major step towards inclusive education, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed eight prototype textbooks for Classes I and II based on the Universal Design of Learning (UDL) framework. These textbooks are designed to ensure accessibility for all learners, particularly benefiting students with disabilities and those from socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

The initiative, part of NCERT’s “Kitab Ek Padhe Anek” programme, was officially launched on September 1, 2025, and is currently undergoing in-house testing before wider implementation in the upcoming academic year.

Objective of the Initiative

The project aims to create inclusive learning materials that accommodate diverse learning needs and styles, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
According to NCERT officials, the goal is to provide equal learning opportunities to all students by integrating visual, auditory, and tactile learning elements within the same book.

Initially designed for visually impaired learners, the textbooks have now been expanded to cover all 21 categories of disabilities defined under NEP 2020 including hearing impairment, autism, and intellectual disabilities.

Design and Accessibility Features

The textbooks incorporate several inclusive design features:

  • Tactile symbols and touchpoints for visually impaired students.
  • QR codes that link to sign language videos and on-screen visuals.
  • Audio narration integrated with sign language interpretation.
  • Color-coded tactile shapes for different content types (e.g., squares for text, icons for images).
  • Simplified layouts and fonts to improve readability and comprehension.

Pilot Testing and Feedback

During pilot testing conducted in selected inclusive schools, students were able to interact independently with the textbooks, even without direct teacher supervision.
The initial feedback has been positive, with learners showing improved engagement and comprehension.

A senior NCERT official explained, “The initiative is still in its prototype stage. Once we gather comprehensive student feedback, we will refine the materials further to ensure accessibility and engagement for all learners.”

Implementation Plans

The NCERT plans to ensure that each inclusive classroom has at least one accessible learning kit available for students who require it.
Currently, the development and distribution of these textbooks are fully funded by the government.

Officials have acknowledged challenges in designing materials that address intellectual and developmental disabilities, but confirm that additional refinements are underway to make the resources more adaptive and user-friendly.

The device used to access the content is designed to be durable, rechargeable, and easy to handle, ensuring accessibility even for young learners.

Key Takeaways

  • NCERT develops eight prototype textbooks for Classes I and II under the UDL framework.
  • Initiative supports students with disabilities and disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Textbooks include audio, tactile, and visual learning aids for multi-sensory learning.
  • QR code integration connects learners to sign language and video content.
  • Aligned with NEP 2020 goals for inclusive and equitable education.
  • Government-funded initiative expected to roll out nationwide after pilot testing.