The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a new Class 9 science textbook, 'Exploration', set to be implemented in the 2026-27 academic session. This textbook integrates contemporary scientific concepts with India's traditional knowledge systems, emphasizing the contributions of Indian scientists and institutions such as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune. The new book, consisting of 13 chapters, replaces the previous edition, which had 15 chapters and was reduced to 12 after rationalization in 2022. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, 'Exploration' promotes inquiry, experimentation, and data analysis, marking a significant shift from rote learning. Key topics like cells, tissues, and energy are retained but revised, while chapters on gravitation and agricultural concepts will be introduced in Class 10. The textbook also includes a chapter on reproduction and references traditional knowledge, such as the concept of speed from the Aryabhatiya and methods from the perfume industry in Kannauj. NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani emphasizes that the new textbook fosters a holistic understanding of science and its interrelationship with technology and society.