REGULATORY · INDIA
NCERT withdraws Class VIII social science textbook and issues unconditional apology
Change
On March 10, 2026, NCERT issued an unconditional and unqualified apology and withdrew its Class VIII Social Science textbook over a chapter referencing 'corruption' in the judiciary.
Why it matters
The Director and Members of NCERT tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology for Chapter IV. The entire Class VIII Social Science textbook has been withdrawn and is not available. NCERT characterized the inclusion as an "error in judgement" that had "crept into" the book. NCERT instructed the public to return the Social Science textbook and delete online posts related to it. The Supreme Court registered a suo-motu case over the reference to "corruption" in the judiciary.
Implications
- • Withdrawn textbook removed from circulation and unavailable for classroom use.
- • Physical copies have been subject to a return instruction, constraining remaining stock distribution.
- • Online copies and related social-media posts have been ordered deleted, restricting digital access.
- • Textbook printers and distributors face an effective halt to sales and distribution of the title.
Who is affected
- • Schools and teachers
- • Class VIII students and parents
- • Textbook printers and distributors
- • Digital platforms and social-media moderators
Source
Topics
World & Politics Governance Policy & Regulation Law & Public Safety Court Rulings