The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn its newly released class 8 social science textbook following controversy over a chapter on judicial corruption. The Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on its further publication and dissemination. NCERT expressed regret for the unintentional inclusion of inappropriate content.
The NCERT released the textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Social Science Grade 8 Part 2 on February 23, 2026, as part of updates aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. The book, intended for the ongoing academic session, included Chapter 4 titled “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society” on pages 125-142, which featured a section on “corruption in the judiciary.” This content prompted swift action after its release.
On February 24, 2026, the Ministry of Education directed NCERT to halt distribution due to the inappropriate material and an error in judgment. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan instructed the immediate withdrawal of the book from sale. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed displeasure during a cabinet meeting on February 24, questioning the inclusion of such material for class 8 students and emphasizing the need to fix accountability.
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the issue and, on February 26, 2026, imposed a “complete blanket ban” on any further publication, reprinting, or digital dissemination of the textbook. The court ordered that attempts to circumvent the ban through electronic media or alternative titles would be treated as defiance.
NCERT issued a statement on February 25, 2026, apologizing for the “inappropriate textual material and error of judgement” that “have inadvertently crept” into the chapter. The organization reiterated its respect for the judiciary as the protector of the Constitution and Fundamental Rights, clarifying that the inclusion was unintentional and not meant to undermine any constitutional body. NCERT Secretary Himanshu Gupta confirmed the withdrawal.
On February 27, 2026, NCERT ordered a total recall, requesting individuals and organizations to return copies to its New Delhi office and delete related content from social media or digital platforms. The concerned chapter will be reviewed and rewritten in consultation with authorities, with the corrected version available at the start of the 2026-27 academic session. This incident stands out amid NCERT's history of textbook revisions since 2014, many of which, including changes to references on the Gujarat riots and Mughal history, proceeded without similar backlash.
