NCERT Introduces Personal Income Tax Education in Class 9 Curriculum: A Civic Duty for Future Citizens

The NCERT has made a significant update to the Class 9 curriculum by introducing personal income tax education. This initiative aims to instill a sense of civic duty among students regarding tax payments. The textbook, "Understanding Society India and Beyond-Part 2," emphasizes the importance of managing personal finances and understanding tax calculations. With a focus on responsible financial decision-making, the curriculum prepares students for their future roles as informed citizens. This educational shift marks a notable step in integrating financial literacy into school education, ensuring that young learners grasp the significance of taxes in national development.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 1, 2026, 14:00 IST

New Curriculum Addition: Personal Income Tax

New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has incorporated personal income tax into the Class 9 syllabus, emphasizing the civic duty of paying taxes responsibly.

The textbook, titled "Understanding Society India and Beyond-Part 2," was unveiled on Tuesday, six months into the academic year. The first part was released in June.

Dinesh Prasad Saklani, the NCERT Chief, stated that students will now learn to calculate tax based on the new slab system, marking a first for this age group. The curriculum stresses that paying taxes "honestly and on time" is a crucial responsibility that contributes to national development.

The chapter titled "Managing Your Personal Finances" highlights that the journey of financial management begins in childhood.

"Wise money management goes beyond just earning; it involves making informed financial choices at every stage, whether it’s spending, saving, investing, managing risks, borrowing wisely, or fulfilling tax obligations. The decisions made today influence future financial stability and the ability to navigate financial opportunities and challenges," the textbook explains.

This chapter includes a table outlining the tax slabs under the new income tax regime, detailing how to calculate tax liabilities according to these slabs. Notably, the old tax regime is not referenced.

"India employs a slab system for income tax calculations, as illustrated in the accompanying table," the textbook states, followed by a chart of the new tax regime's slabs.

The new tax regime was first introduced during the Union Budget in February 2020 and became effective from the financial year 2020-21. It offers reduced tax rates in exchange for the elimination of most exemptions and deductions.

As of April 1, 2023, this regime became the default for taxpayers, who are automatically placed under it unless they choose the old system.

Additionally, the chapter discusses the "pillars of personal finance," detailing aspects such as Income (earnings), Budgeting (planning expenses), Saving, Investing (wealth growth), and risk management.