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NCERT Withdraws Class 8 Textbook Over "Inappropriate" Judiciary Chapter

The NCERT has withdrawn and apologized for a newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook after "inappropriate textual material" was found in a chapter on the judiciary. The Department of School Education directed the distribution to be put on hold, an order which NCERT complied with immediately. The council clarified it holds the judiciary in the highest esteem and the error was unintentional. The chapter will be rewritten in consultation with authorities before the 2026-27 academic session.

Key Points: NCERT Withdraws Class 8 Social Science Book, Apologizes

  • Textbook withdrawn over inappropriate content
  • Chapter on judiciary contained errors
  • Distribution put on strict hold
  • Chapter to be rewritten for 2026-27
2 min read

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

NCERT recalls Class 8 Social Science textbook after finding "inappropriate material" in a chapter on the judiciary. The chapter will be rewritten.

"The aforesaid error is purely unintentional and NCERT regrets the inclusion of inappropriate material in the said chapter - NCERT Statement"

New Delhi, February 26

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has issued an apology and withdrawn the distribution of its newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook after "inappropriate textual material and error of judgement" were found in a chapter on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.

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
How does such "inappropriate material" even get published? 🤔 There should be stricter checks before printing. Our children's education is not a joke. Hope the rewritten chapter is thoroughly vetted.
D
David E
While the apology is good, it's concerning that errors like this happen. The judiciary chapter is crucial for civic understanding. I hope the consultation includes diverse legal experts to present a balanced view.
A
Ananya R
Respectfully, I think we should also teach students to think critically about all institutions, including the judiciary. The goal should be constitutional literacy, not blind reverence. The rewrite should keep this in mind.
S
Siddharth J
Good step. But the bigger issue is the constant changes in our school syllabus. As a parent, it's confusing. We need stability and quality in textbooks. 👍
K
Kavya N
At least they caught it before it reached most students. The system of review worked this time. Hope the new chapter explains the role of judiciary in protecting citizens' rights clearly.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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