NCERT withdraws Class 8 Social Science textbook over inappropriate content on judiciary, issues apology

NEW DELHI: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an apology and withdrawn the distribution of its newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook after “inappropriate textual material and error of judgement” were found in a chapter on the judiciary.

In a press statement, NCERT said that the Social Science textbook, ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II’ for Class 8, was released on February 24, 2026. However, upon receiving the textbook, it was observed that certain inappropriate textual material and error of judgement had inadvertently crept into Chapter No 4, entitled ‘The Role of Judiciary in our Society’ (pages 125-142).

The Department of School Education and Literacy (Ministry of Education) also made a similar observation and directed that the distribution of this book be kept on strict hold until further orders. The same has been complied with, NCERT said.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 : 𝐀𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝟖 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐)

As per the extant procedure, NCERT brought out the Social Science textbook, Exploring Society:… pic.twitter.com/ahHSiT8MaP

— NCERT (@ncert) February 25, 2026

NCERT clarified that it holds the judiciary in the highest esteem and considers it to be the upholder of the Indian Constitution and protector of Fundamental Rights. “The aforesaid error is purely unintentional and NCERT regrets the inclusion of inappropriate material in the said chapter”, the statement said.

NCERT reiterated that the objective of the new textbooks is to strengthen constitutional literacy, institutional respect, and informed understanding of democratic participation amongst students.

“There is no intent to question or diminish the authority of any constitutional body. As part of its continuous review process, NCERT remains open to constructive feedback. And hence, the same shall be re-written, with consultation of the appropriate authority, as necessary, and would be made available to students of Class 8 accordingly on the commencement of academic session 2026-27,” the statement added.

NCERT once again regretted the error of judgement and apologized while reiterating its resolve to continuously work for institutional sanctity and respect. The chapter will be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities before being made available to students for the 2026-27 academic session.

Meanwhile, the NCERT is attempting to retrieve the 38 copies of the now-withdrawn Class 8 Social Science Part 2 textbook that were sold, sources in the Education Ministry said. Of the 2.25 lakh copies printed, only 38 were sold while 2,24,962 remained in inventory. All unsold copies have been recalled back to the NCERT warehouse, sources said, adding that efforts are underway to trace and recover the sold copies as well.

In an official statement issued earlier, NCERT acknowledged that “certain inappropriate textual material and errors of judgement” had inadvertently crept into Chapter 4, titled “The Role of Judiciary in our Society.” The council said it has decided to withdraw the textbook and undertake a comprehensive review and rewriting of the chapter.

The controversy erupted after portions of the chapter referred to corruption in the judiciary and highlighted case backlogs, drawing sharp reactions. The Supreme Court took strong exception to the references, following which NCERT moved swiftly to halt further circulation of the book.

The Class 8 Social Science textbook is part of the ongoing overhaul of school textbooks under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). NCERT has been rolling out revised books in phases, with changes in content, structure and thematic approach.

Sources said the revised version of the chapter will be issued after due review and vetting, and fresh copies will be printed accordingly. (ANI)