Students often use “NCERT” and “CBSE” interchangeably, but they refer to two different organisations with distinct roles.
What CBSE Is
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is the examining body — it conducts board exams, affiliates schools, and sets exam policies.
What NCERT Is
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is the curriculum and textbook body — it designs the syllabus and publishes the textbooks that CBSE-affiliated schools use.
How They Work Together
CBSE bases its board exams directly on the curriculum and textbooks NCERT publishes, which is why “study your NCERT books” is the standard advice for CBSE exam preparation.
Find Your NCERT Textbooks
Browse every NCERT textbook used in the CBSE curriculum in our Book Catalog.
Ready to find your textbook? Browse the full NCERT Book Catalog or head to our complete NCERT Books guide for class-wise and subject-wise downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NCERT and CBSE?
NCERT designs the curriculum and publishes textbooks, while CBSE is the board that conducts exams and affiliates schools based on that curriculum.
Does CBSE publish its own textbooks?
No, CBSE does not publish textbooks itself; it relies on the curriculum and textbooks developed by NCERT.
Is NCERT under the CBSE board?
No, NCERT and CBSE are separate, independent bodies under the Ministry of Education, each with a distinct role.
Can CBSE schools use non-NCERT textbooks?
CBSE schools primarily use NCERT textbooks, though some schools supplement them with additional reference material.
Who governs NCERT and CBSE?
Both organisations function under India’s Ministry of Education, but operate independently with different mandates.
Are state board schools required to follow NCERT curriculum?
State boards set their own curricula, though many reference or adapt NCERT content, especially in senior secondary classes.
Is NCERT applicable outside India?
NCERT’s mandate covers Indian school education, though its textbooks are sometimes referenced internationally for Indian curriculum programs abroad.
Do CBSE exams follow the NCERT syllabus strictly?
Yes, CBSE board exam questions are based directly on the NCERT curriculum and textbooks.
What is the role of NCERT in curriculum design?
NCERT researches, designs, and publishes the National Curriculum Framework and the textbooks used to implement it.
What is the role of CBSE in school education?
CBSE affiliates schools, conducts board examinations, and sets examination policies based on the NCERT curriculum.
