NCERT Class 9 Textbook Introduces Chapter on Emergency for the First Time

In a significant educational update, NCERT has introduced a chapter on the Emergency period of 1975-77 in its Class 9 Social Science textbook. This marks the first time such a detailed account has been included in the curriculum, highlighting the challenges faced by Indian democracy during that era. The chapter discusses the political unrest of the early 1970s, the declaration of Emergency by Indira Gandhi, and the subsequent impact on civil liberties. Political leaders have commented on the implications of this inclusion, emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy in education.

By Sourabh Singh Jun 25, 2026, 10:15 IST

NCERT Class 9 Textbook Features Emergency Chapter

Introduction of Emergency in NCERT Curriculum: After a gap of nearly 51 years, the NCERT has added a comprehensive chapter on the Emergency period of 1975-77 in its Class 9 Social Science textbook. The new edition, titled *Understanding Society: India and Beyond*, characterizes the Emergency as one of the most significant challenges to Indian democracy.

The textbook outlines that the early 1970s were marked by widespread protests across India, driven by issues like rising unemployment, inflation, and dissatisfaction with the government. This unrest led to significant movements spearheaded by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. On June 25, 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency throughout the nation.

Content Overview:
The NCERT textbook elaborates on the suspension of fundamental rights during the Emergency, the imposition of press censorship, and the arrest of numerous opposition leaders and activists. It emphasizes that this era tested the very foundations of Indian democracy and civil liberties.

The chapter delves into the political context surrounding the Emergency, the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan, its implications for democracy, and the eventual restoration of democratic processes after the 1977 general elections. NCERT highlights that this is the first instance of such detailed coverage of the Emergency in the Class 9 syllabus.

Comments from Political Leaders:
In response to the inclusion of the Emergency in the NCERT textbook, Congress leader Sachin Pilot remarked that the BJP, whether in power at the national or state level, tends to portray history in a manner that aligns with its own narrative. He expressed concerns that the challenges facing democracy today are unprecedented in independent India's history.

He noted the suppression of dissenting voices through various means, including social media, mainstream media, the judiciary, bureaucracy, and the Election Commission, highlighting that this is the first time a government has exploited these institutions in such a manner.