NCERT Withdraws Newly Released Class 8 Book After Judiciary Chapter Controversy

NCERT recently shared a press release on February 25, 2026, regarding an issue found in the Class 8 Social Science textbook.

On February 24, 2026, NCERT published the Class 8 social science textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol. II. After the book was released, it was noticed that Chapter 4, titled “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society” (pages 125-142), contains some inappropriate content and an error in judgment.

The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, also noticed this issue and directed that the distribution of the book be stopped until further notice. NCERT has followed this direction and put the distribution on hold.

NCERT added that it has huge respect for the judiciary and recognises it as the protector of the Constitution and Fundamental Rights. The inclusion of the inappropriate material was completely unintentional, and it regrets this mistake.

NCERT further clarified that the aim of the new textbooks is to promote understanding of the Constitution, respect for institutions, and awareness about democratic participation among children. There was no intention to question or reduce the importance of any constitutional body.

NCERT further added that the concerned chapter will now be reviewed and rewritten in consultation with the appropriate authorities. The new and corrected version of the chapter will be made available to Class 8 students at the beginning of the 2026-27 academic session.

NCERT lastly apologises for the error and says that it will remain committed to maintaining respect for institutions and improving the quality of its textbooks.