New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn the distribution of its recently released Class 8 Social Science textbook after identifying “inappropriate content” and an error in judgement in a chapter related to the judiciary. The body has also issued an apology.
In a press statement, NCERT said the book titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II” was released on February 24, 2026. However, after copies reached stakeholders, it was observed that Chapter 4 — “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society” (pages 125–142) — inadvertently contained certain unsuitable material.
Distribution halted
The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education also reviewed the matter and directed that distribution of the book be immediately stopped until further orders.
NCERT stated that corrective steps are being taken and assured that appropriate revisions will be made before the textbook is reissued.
