Homeschool shelf · Classes 6–8

Homeschool resources for Classes 6–8

Middle years need more than a stack of videos. Build subject knowledge, teach the learner how to plan and revise, and preserve time for experiments, making and serious reading.

Class 6Class 7Class 8

Research and links verified 20 Aug 2026

Start without overbuying

Three decisions before you download anything

  1. 01

    Run a short baseline

    Ask for a short explanation, a reading sample and a few mixed maths problems. Use the result to choose level; do not infer it from age alone.

  2. 02

    Separate input from output

    For each video or chapter, require a prediction, worked example, diagram, experiment note or short written explanation.

  3. 03

    Teach planning explicitly

    Use one weekly board with subject goals, due dates and a review box. Independence grows from visible routines, not sudden withdrawal of support.

Class by class

The focus changes every year

Use these as planning anchors, not rigid timetables. Readiness, language history and the chosen board matter more than a birthday.

Class 6

Transition from integrated EVS to distinct science and social-science habits; rebuild any maths foundations.

Core shelf
Start with current NCERT Class 6 books and the matching ePathshala/DIKSHA assets.
Add only if useful
Use Khan Academy foundation maths selectively, one PhET simulation after concept teaching and StoryWeaver for home-language stamina.
Keep as evidence
Introduce a lab notebook and a monthly long-form writing sample.
Back to class list

Class 7

Proportional reasoning, evidence in history/civics, scientific variables and sustained independent reading.

Core shelf
Use current NCERT Class 7 texts; if heading toward OBE C, map lessons against the official Level C curriculum.
Add only if useful
Choose one CodeAI self-paced project and one hands-on investigation each month.
Keep as evidence
Record hypotheses, failed attempts and revisions, not only correct answers.
Back to class list

Class 8

Algebra readiness, multi-source research, formal explanation and a clear next-stage certification decision.

Core shelf
Use only current official NCERT Class 8 resources, or NIOS OBE Level C exemplar SLM with the Accredited Agency's plan.
Add only if useful
Use NCERT Exemplar only after core chapters and PhET to test a stated prediction.
Keep as evidence
Complete a term project with question, sources, process log, product and reflection.
Back to class list

NIOS, without the marketing blur

NIOS OBE Level C is the Class 8 equivalency endpoint

The public books are exemplar SLM for Level C.

NIOS describes Level C as ending in Class 8 equivalency. The 2026–27 prospectus marks the available SLM as exemplars and permits Accredited Agencies to use NIOS, NCERT or State/UT books. There is no distinct NIOS Class 6 or Class 7 book list; ask the certifying agency which books it uses and what it charges, because NIOS processing fees exclude study-material prices.

Read the official NIOS source

OBE Level C — Class 8 equivalency

Core public exemplar subjects. NIOS also lists language, Indian Knowledge Tradition and pre-vocational options; actual availability must be confirmed.

  • Hindi C101
  • Social Science C102
  • Mathematics C103
  • Basic Computer Skills C104
  • Science C105
  • English C109
Open this NIOS book shelf

The complete shelf

14 resources that earn a place at this stage

Government and board material comes first. Supplements follow only where they add practice, reading, experiments or creative work the core shelf does not provide. Expand “How to use this at home” for a concrete first-session plan and an observable output.

01

Official core and public infrastructure

Use these for the curriculum spine, current books, state/board assets and low-connectivity access.

Core spine Official government / board source

NIOS OBE Level C exemplar materials

National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)

Exemplar self-learning material and curriculum

Best fit
Class 8
Cost
Public sample PDFs are free; study-centre materials may cost extra
Formats
PDF · Web catalogue
Offline
Download or print the public exemplar PDFs.

NIOS level: OBE Level C (Class 8 equivalency)

Subjects
  • Language
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Science
  • Basic Computer Skills
Language and access

Hindi · English-medium exemplars · Selected Indian languages by subject

  • Printable self-learning format
  • Subject files can be used one at a time
  • Text extraction quality varies by file
How to use this at home
  1. Map the Level C curriculum across the full middle-years plan instead of trying to finish the shelf as a Class 8 crash course.
  2. Close the PDF after a short section and ask for one worked response, explanation or experiment note before moving on.
Core spine Official government / board source

NCERT textbooks PDF shelf (Classes 1–12)

National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)

Official national-curriculum textbooks

Best fit
Classes 1–12
Cost
Free official downloads
Formats
Full-book PDF · Chapter PDF
Offline
Download a full book or only the chapters needed.
Subjects
  • Languages
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Science
  • Social Science
  • Electives
Language and access

English · Hindi · Urdu · Additional languages for selected books

  • Chapter-sized downloads can reduce data use
  • Print-friendly PDFs
  • Accessibility and text extraction vary by edition
How to use this at home
  1. Select one current class, subject and medium; download only the chapter being studied so the shelf does not become the plan.
  2. End reading with an output: narrate the idea, solve one fresh problem, draw a labelled diagram or apply it in a small project.
Official supplement Official government / board source

ePathshala student library

NCERT and CIET

eTextbooks and multimedia library

Best fit
Classes 1–12
Cost
Free
Formats
ePub · Flipbook · PDF · Audio · Video · Interactive resources
Offline
The app can carry downloaded books; availability depends on the asset.
Subjects
  • All school subjects
  • Supplementary reading
  • Audio/video enrichment
Language and access

English · Hindi · Urdu · Multiple Indian languages by asset

  • Zoom, bookmarks, highlights and notes in supported formats
  • Can work with device text-to-speech tools
  • Media alternatives vary by resource
How to use this at home
  1. Search the exact class, subject and language, then save just the current book and one useful media asset.
  2. Use bookmarks or highlights during a short reading, close the device, and ask for a spoken, written or drawn explanation.
Official supplement Official government / board source

NCERT accessible learning resources

CIET–NCERT

Accessible textbooks, audiobooks, Indian Sign Language and tactile-learning links

Best fit
Classes 1–12
Cost
Free official resources
Formats
Accessible PDF · Audio · ISL video · Tactile-resource guide · Web directory
Offline
Download support varies; save and test one confirmed accessible chapter before planning the week.
Subjects
  • School textbooks
  • Early literacy
  • Indian Sign Language
  • Audiobooks
  • Tactile maps
  • Inclusive learning
Language and access

English · Hindi · Urdu · Indian Sign Language · Additional languages by resource

  • Directory links to read-aloud, ISL, audio and tactile options
  • Modality and class coverage vary across collections
  • Some resources need an app, assistive technology or adult setup
How to use this at home
  1. Choose the learner’s access mode first—audio, ISL, read-aloud or tactile—then filter for the exact class and title.
  2. Test one chapter for independent navigation, save it on the usual device and keep only the format that reduces effort without reducing thinking.
Reading library Official government / board source

Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya multilingual reading library

Department of School Education and Literacy and National Book Trust

National digital library for non-textbook reading

Best fit
Classes 1–12
Cost
Free with registration
Formats
Web reader · Mobile app · eBook
Offline
Do not assume every title works offline; test saved access on the learner’s usual device.
Subjects
  • Picture books
  • Fiction
  • Biography
  • Poetry
  • Arts and culture
  • Science and environment
Language and access

22 Indian languages and English; title availability varies

  • Age-band, language and genre filters
  • The current app lists text-to-speech, font-size and theme controls
  • Accessibility quality can vary by title
How to use this at home
  1. Filter by the learner’s age band and home language, then preselect two books instead of browsing during reading time.
  2. Use one as a read-aloud and one for independent reading; end with a retell, recommendation, sketch or short reflection.
Official supplement Official government / board source

DIKSHA curriculum library and textbook QR resources

NCERT, Ministry of Education and States/UTs

State-board and national digital learning platform

Best fit
Classes 1–12
Cost
Free
Formats
Web lessons · PDF · ePub · Video · Audio · Interactive content
Offline
Internally hosted content can be downloaded in the Android app for offline use.
Subjects
  • Board textbooks
  • QR-linked lessons
  • Practice
  • Teacher and parent resources
Language and access

English · Hindi · Assamese · Bengali · Gujarati · Kannada · Marathi · Odia · Punjabi · Tamil · Telugu · Urdu

  • Guest access is available for much of the library
  • Filters by board, class, subject and medium
  • Accessibility varies because many organisations publish into the repository
How to use this at home
  1. Filter by the learner's board or publisher, class, subject and medium—or scan the QR code in the exact textbook.
  2. Choose one asset for a named gap, then require a worked answer, retell or practical task away from the platform.
Official supplement Official government / board source

CBSE Skill Education books and support material

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

Official skill, vocational and project-learning books for the 2026–27 session

Best fit
Classes 6–12
Cost
Free official PDFs; project tools or materials may cost extra
Formats
Student PDF · Practical handbook · Teacher handbook · Project material
Offline
Download one current-session handbook and any required safety or practical guidance.
Subjects
  • Kaushal Bodh
  • Employability
  • Information technology
  • Financial literacy
  • AI and data
  • Agriculture
  • Healthcare
  • Design thinking
Language and access

English and Hindi for selected materials; language coverage varies by subject

  • Class and subject groupings make the shelf searchable
  • Many activities produce a practical portfolio artifact
  • PDF size, tagging and language coverage vary
How to use this at home
  1. Choose one age-appropriate module that matches a real interest or local opportunity; do not attempt the whole catalogue.
  2. Complete one project per term and keep the plan, artifact, feedback and reflection together as portfolio evidence.
Practice Official government / board source

NCERT Exemplar Problems and laboratory manuals

NCERT

Official extension problems and practical guidance

Best fit
Classes 6–12
Cost
Free official downloads
Formats
PDF problem books · PDF laboratory manuals
Offline
Download a chapter after the corresponding textbook unit is understood.
Subjects
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
Language and access

English · Hindi for selected materials

  • Problem sets are organised by class and subject
  • Works well in print
  • Solutions should be used after an independent attempt
How to use this at home
  1. Open the matching chapter only after the core idea is understood; mark the first attempt before viewing any solution.
  2. Put two missed problems in an error log and solve them again from a blank page several days later.
Official supplement Official government / board source

PM eVIDYA class-wise television and schedule

CIET–NCERT, Ministry of Education

Class-specific educational television

Best fit
Classes 1–12
Cost
Free-to-air where the relevant DTH service is available
Formats
DTH television · Online transmission schedule · Video archive links
Offline
Television reception does not require internet; the schedule page does.
Subjects
  • NCERT-curriculum lessons
  • Revision
  • Special broadcasts
Language and access

Hindi · English · Regional-language programming varies by channel

  • Useful where mobile data is limited
  • One class–one channel makes selection simple
  • Captions and sign-language support vary by programme
How to use this at home
  1. Check the class schedule in advance and write one question the programme should help answer.
  2. After the broadcast, turn it off and ask the learner to retrieve three ideas or solve one related problem unaided.
02

Practice, reading, labs and making

Choose by a named need. None of these silently replaces the registered board or NIOS syllabus.

Practice Curated supplement

Khan Academy India curriculum practice

Khan Academy India

Video lessons, worked examples and mastery practice

Best fit
Classes 1–12
Cost
Free
Formats
Video · Article · Interactive exercise · Quiz
Offline
Plan for online use; download options depend on the app and lesson.
Subjects
  • Mathematics
  • Math foundations
  • Selected science courses
  • Computing
Language and access

English · Hinglish · Hindi · Gujarati · Assamese · Odia · Marathi · Punjabi · Kannada

  • Self-paced practice with immediate feedback
  • Course and language coverage is visible before starting
  • Video-heavy lessons still require a device and sustained attention
How to use this at home
  1. Use a short diagnostic or the learner's recent mistakes to name one precise gap; assign only that lesson and practice set.
  2. Stop after the learner can solve and explain a few fresh problems, then record the remaining error rather than chasing screen time.
Experiments Curated supplement

PhET interactive science and mathematics simulations

University of Colorado Boulder

Interactive concept simulations

Best fit
Classes 6–12
Cost
Free on the web; mobile app pricing can differ
Formats
HTML5 simulation · Downloadable simulation · Teacher activity files
Offline
Individual HTML5 simulations can be downloaded; desktop and mobile options differ.
Subjects
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Earth Science
  • Biology
Language and access

English · Hindi and many translated interfaces by simulation

  • Visual manipulation supports concept exploration
  • Translations are selectable per simulation
  • Keyboard, audio and description support varies by simulation
How to use this at home
  1. Before touching a control, draw or say a prediction and choose one variable to change.
  2. Record the result in a table or diagram, explain any surprise, and compare it with a safe physical observation when possible.
Experiments Curated supplement

Vigyan Pratibha science and mathematics learning units

Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR)

Context-rich inquiry units for discussion, investigation and making

Best fit
Classes 7–10
Cost
Free student PDFs; teacher editions require free registration
Formats
Student PDF · Teacher edition after free registration · Support video for selected units
Offline
Download and print the learner unit; gather the listed materials before the first session.
Subjects
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Measurement
  • Astronomy
  • Food and soil
  • Biodiversity
  • Graphs and geometry
Language and access

English; selected bilingual and Marathi editions

  • Hands-on work reduces continuous screen use
  • Some units use ordinary local materials and observations
  • Language options and equipment needs vary by unit
How to use this at home
  1. Follow one related core lesson with a single learning unit and reserve two to four sessions rather than compressing it into one worksheet period.
  2. Use a parent, sibling or small group as the discussion partner; save the prediction, measurements, result and changed explanation.
Reading library Curated supplement

StoryWeaver multilingual children's library

Pratham Books

Open-licensed graded story library

Best fit
Classes 1–8
Cost
Free
Formats
Web reader · PDF · Printable booklet · Readalong/video for selected stories
Offline
Download and print a story while online, then read it offline.
Subjects
  • Reading fluency
  • Home-language literacy
  • Bilingual reading
  • STEM stories
Language and access

Hundreds of languages; availability varies by story

  • Four reading levels based on fluency rather than age
  • Bilingual and readalong options on selected books
  • Editor-recommended filter helps screen community contributions
How to use this at home
  1. Choose the reading level from a comfortable sample, not the class label, and download two or three books for the week.
  2. Reread a favourite, alternate adult and child reading, then retell, draw or write one response without a worksheet.
Creative computing Curated supplement

CodeAI self-paced coding for ages 11 and up

CodeAI (formerly Code.org)

Self-paced programming modules and full CS curricula

Best fit
Classes 6–12
Cost
Free
Formats
Browser IDE · Interactive lesson · Video · Project · Teacher-led curriculum
Offline
Most programming labs need a browser and internet connection.
Subjects
  • Programming
  • Web development
  • Data
  • Artificial intelligence literacy
  • Computer-science principles
Language and access

English; additional translations vary by activity

  • Self-paced introductory modules are labelled separately
  • Block and text-based tools support progression
  • Some full courses are designed to be teacher-led
How to use this at home
  1. Choose one self-paced module with a visible finish point and schedule it as a weekly making block, not a daily badge chase.
  2. Modify the starter project, keep one screenshot or link, and write what failed, changed and finally worked.

A workable week

Give every resource a job

  1. Four subject mornings: maths and language plus rotating science/social science.
  2. Two 60–90 minute labs or project blocks with a written prediction and reflection.
  3. One computing block that produces something shareable rather than a badge alone.
  4. A weekly planning conference that gradually moves from parent-led to learner-led.
Source pages checked for this guide (23)

Scope and links were checked on 20 Aug 2026. Product catalogues and exam rules can change; follow the provider page for the current version.