NCERT Withdraws Class 8 Textbook, Issues Unconditional Apology

ANI, New Delhi, March 10, 2026 : The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an “unconditional and unqualified apology” and withdrawn its Class 8 Social Science textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part II) following concerns over Chapter IV titled “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society”, which included a sub-chapter on “Corruption in the judiciary”.

In a statement via X, NCERT confirmed that the entire book has been withdrawn and is no longer available. The council expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational materials.

The withdrawal follows a blanket ban imposed by the Supreme Court of India on February 26, which prohibited further publication, printing, or digital dissemination of the textbook. The Court also instructed NCERT to provide detailed records of the Teaching-Learning Materials Committee that approved the chapter, including the credentials of all development team members.

NCERT has requested that anyone in possession of the textbook or related materials return them to the Head, Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS), NCERT, and delete any content related to the controversial chapter from social media or digital platforms.

The move comes amid widespread concern about the portrayal of the judiciary in the textbook, prompting swift action by both the council and the Supreme Court.