Only 38 copies of the newly released Class 8 Social Science book were sold before NCERT halted distribution and initiated a recall following objections over its judiciary chapter.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn its newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook after “inappropriate textual material and error of judgement” were identified in a chapter on the judiciary. The move comes a day after the book drew strong exception from the Supreme Court.
The episode has drawn attention also because the book is among the new set of textbooks being introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). NCERT has been releasing these revised editions in phases, reworking both the content and classroom approach.
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In a press statement, NCERT said the book, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II, was released on February 24, 2026. “However, upon receiving the textbook, it was observed that certain inappropriate textual material and error of judgement had inadvertently crept into Chapter No 4, entitled ‘The Role of Judiciary in our Society’ (pages 125-142).
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“The aforesaid error is purely unintentional and NCERT regrets the inclusion of inappropriate material in the said chapter,” the statement said.
“There is no intent to question or diminish the authority of any constitutional body. As part of its continuous review process, NCERT remains open to constructive feedback. And hence, the same shall be re-written, with consultation of the appropriate authority, as necessary, and would be made available to students of Class 8 accordingly on the commencement of academic session 2026-27,” the statement added.
The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education directed that distribution of the book be kept on strict hold until further orders. NCERT said it complied immediately.
Sources in the Education Ministry told ANI that of the 2.25 lakh copies printed, only 38 were sold while 2,24,962 remained in inventory. All unsold copies have been recalled to the NCERT warehouse, and efforts are underway to trace and recover the sold copies as well.
The chapter will now be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities and made available for the 2026–27 academic session.
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