The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has paused the distribution of its new Social Science textbook for Class 8. This decision follows the discovery of inappropriate content and a judgment error in Chapter 4, “The Role of Judiciary in our Society.” The textbook, titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Volume II, was released on February 24, 2026, but concerns arose regarding certain sections discussing the judiciary in India.
The Department of School Education and Literacy, under the Union Ministry of Education, intervened and instructed a halt in the textbook’s distribution for a thorough review and necessary corrections. NCERT has complied with this directive and ceased further distribution to address the problematic content promptly.
In an official statement, NCERT expressed regret for the inadvertent inclusion of inappropriate material and acknowledged an editorial oversight. The Council affirmed its respect for the judiciary as a cornerstone of India’s democracy, responsible for upholding the Constitution and safeguarding Fundamental Rights.
NCERT clarified that the textbook’s aim is to enhance students’ constitutional literacy, civic awareness, and respect for democratic institutions. The Council assured that the chapter in question will undergo a comprehensive review and revision in consultation with academic experts to ensure accuracy and alignment with constitutional principles.
