26 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

NCERT Apologizes for 'Corruption' Content in Class 8 Textbook

NCERT apologizes for including a section on 'corruption' in Class 8 textbook.

Photo by amol sonar

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) withdrew its new Class 8 Social Science textbook after it included a section on “corruption in the judiciary.” The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter, describing the inclusion as a “deep-rooted” and “calculated” affront to the institution. The book, titled 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond,' Part 2, was released on February 24, 2026, and contained a chapter called “The Role of the Judiciary in our Society” which listed “corruption at various levels of the judiciary” and a massive backlog of cases.

The Supreme Court ordered the seizure of all physical copies and the takedown of digital versions of the textbook. Show-cause notices were issued to the NCERT director and the secretary of the Department of School Education, asking why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education. NCERT also issued an apology, acknowledging “inappropriate textual material and error of judgement,” and withdrew the book from distribution.

NCERT is attempting to retrieve the 38 copies of the textbook that were sold out of the 2.25 lakh copies printed. The remaining 2,24,962 copies have been recalled to the NCERT warehouse. The court directed NCERT, in coordination with Union and state education departments, to ensure all physical and digital copies of the book were removed from public access. The director was also asked to provide names and credentials of members of the National Syllabi Board who drafted the chapter and the original minutes of deliberations.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed anguish over the chapter and promised to fix accountability and take action against those involved in drafting the controversial portion. The Supreme Court has scheduled the matter for a hearing next month. This issue is relevant for UPSC exams, particularly GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) and Essay Paper, as it concerns the integrity of institutions and the education system.

Key Facts

NCERT issued an apology for 'inappropriate textual material'

The material was included in the Class 8 Social Science textbook

The textbook contained a section on 'corruption' in the judiciary

The Supreme Court registered a suo motu case on the matter

Directions were issued to keep the distribution of the book on 'strict hold'

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Issues related to the judiciary, education, and governance.

GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude - Ethical considerations in education and governance.

Essay Paper: The role of education in shaping public perception and the importance of institutional integrity.

In Simple Words

Imagine if your school textbook had a chapter saying teachers are often unfair. You'd start questioning your teachers, right? Similarly, a textbook talking about corruption in courts can make students distrust the justice system. That's why NCERT apologized for the 'unsuitable material'.

India Angle

In India, where people often rely on the courts to resolve disputes, trust in the judiciary is crucial. If students learn early on that courts are corrupt, it can affect their willingness to seek justice and uphold the law.

For Instance

Think of it like a news channel reporting fake news. It damages the channel's credibility and makes people less likely to trust it in the future. The textbook content could have had a similar effect on the judiciary's image.

If people lose faith in the courts, they might resort to other means of resolving conflicts, potentially leading to chaos and injustice. A fair and trusted judiciary is essential for a stable society.

Trust in the justice system starts with what our kids learn in school.

The National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT) issued a statement apologizing for the "inappropriate textual material" in its newest Social Science textbook for Class 8, which included a section on "corruption" in the judiciary. This came hours after the Supreme Court registered a suo motu case on the matter. Directions have been issued to keep the distribution of this book on "strict hold until further orders".

Expert Analysis

The controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook highlights several key concepts related to the judiciary, education, and governance in India. The Supreme Court's suo motu cognizance, the concept of judicial accountability, and the role of NCERT in shaping young minds are all central to understanding this issue.

The Suo Motu Cognizance taken by the Supreme Court reflects its inherent power to take up matters on its own accord when it believes there is a violation of rights or a matter of public importance. This power is derived from Article 32 of the Constitution, which grants the Supreme Court the authority to issue writs, orders, or directions for the enforcement of fundamental rights. In this case, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance because it perceived the NCERT textbook's content as a direct affront to the judiciary's integrity, potentially undermining public trust in the institution. The court's swift action underscores its role as the guardian of the Constitution and the protector of fundamental rights.

Judicial Accountability is a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity and credibility of the judiciary. While the NCERT textbook aimed to address this issue by highlighting corruption and case backlogs, the manner in which it was presented raised concerns about potentially defaming the institution. Mechanisms for judicial accountability in India include internal processes, such as codes of conduct for judges and complaint mechanisms like the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), as well as external mechanisms like impeachment. The textbook's reference to over 1,600 complaints received via CPGRAMS between 2017 and 2021 underscores the need for transparent and effective accountability measures. However, it also highlights the importance of presenting such information in a balanced and responsible manner to avoid undermining public confidence in the judiciary.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) plays a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and textbooks used in schools across India. Established in 1961, NCERT's mandate is to provide quality education and promote research in education. The current controversy highlights the significant responsibility NCERT bears in ensuring that textbooks are accurate, balanced, and do not inadvertently undermine constitutional institutions. The revision of textbooks is being carried out in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the new National Curriculum Framework for School Education. This incident underscores the need for rigorous review processes and consultations with relevant authorities to prevent the inclusion of inappropriate or misleading content.

For UPSC aspirants, this issue is relevant for both Prelims and Mains exams. In Prelims, questions can be framed on the powers of the Supreme Court, the role of NCERT, and the mechanisms for judicial accountability. In Mains, questions can focus on the importance of maintaining the integrity of institutions, the challenges of judicial accountability, and the role of education in shaping public perception. Understanding the constitutional provisions related to the judiciary and the functions of bodies like NCERT is crucial for tackling such questions effectively.

Visual Insights

NCERT Textbook Controversy: Key Details

Highlights of the NCERT textbook controversy and its implications.

Class of Textbook: Class 8
Subject of Controversy: Corruption in the Judiciary

More Information

Background

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), established in 1961, is an autonomous organization of the Government of India. Its primary objective is to advise and assist the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education. NCERT prepares and publishes model textbooks, supplementary material, and other educational resources. The textbooks are revised periodically to align with the changing needs of students and the evolving understanding of different subjects. The inclusion of the chapter on “corruption in the judiciary” in the Class 8 Social Science textbook is part of a broader effort to revise textbooks in line with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the new National Curriculum Framework for School Education. The previous edition of the textbook, based on the 2005 National Curriculum Framework, discussed delays and judicial structure but did not explicitly address corruption. The recent controversy arose because the Supreme Court viewed the content as potentially defamatory and undermining the judiciary's integrity. The Constitution of India guarantees an independent judiciary, which is essential for upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights. The judiciary's role is to interpret the Constitution, resolve disputes, and ensure that the government acts within the bounds of the law. Any attempt to undermine the judiciary's credibility can have serious implications for the functioning of democracy. The Supreme Court's suo motu cognizance of the matter reflects its commitment to safeguarding the judiciary's reputation and ensuring that educational materials do not contain misleading or defamatory content.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing focus on judicial reforms and accountability. The government has been working to reduce the backlog of cases through various initiatives, including the use of technology and the appointment of more judges. The e-Courts project, launched in 2007, aims to digitize court records and streamline court processes. Several committees have been formed to examine issues related to judicial reforms. The Law Commission of India has submitted reports on various aspects of the judiciary, including judicial appointments, infrastructure, and accountability. The government is also considering amendments to existing laws to improve the efficiency of the judicial system. The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), which was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015, remains a subject of debate, with some advocating for a more transparent and accountable process for judicial appointments. Looking ahead, the government is expected to continue its efforts to modernize the judiciary and improve its efficiency. The use of artificial intelligence and other technologies is being explored to further streamline court processes and reduce the backlog of cases. The focus on judicial accountability is also likely to continue, with efforts to strengthen internal and external mechanisms for addressing complaints against judges. The implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020, will also lead to further revisions in school textbooks and curriculum, with a greater emphasis on constitutional literacy and institutional respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did the Supreme Court take *suo motu* cognizance of this NCERT textbook issue, and what does that term mean in practice?

The Supreme Court took *suo motu* cognizance because the textbook contained a section on 'corruption in the judiciary,' which the court viewed as a 'deep-rooted' and 'calculated' affront to the institution. *Suo motu* cognizance means the court took notice of the matter on its own, without waiting for a formal complaint to be filed. This is usually done when the issue is of significant public importance or involves a violation of fundamental rights.

Exam Tip

Remember that *suo motu* powers are exercised by the Supreme Court and High Courts. A common prelims trap is to suggest that lower courts also have this power.

2. How does this NCERT textbook controversy relate to the broader issue of judicial accountability in India?

The inclusion of content about 'corruption in the judiciary,' even if intended to promote transparency, touches upon the sensitive issue of judicial accountability. While there's increasing focus on judicial reforms and reducing the backlog of cases (e.g., the e-Courts project), directly addressing corruption within the judiciary is a contentious topic. The Supreme Court's strong reaction highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved in ensuring judicial accountability while maintaining the judiciary's independence and public trust.

Exam Tip

For Mains, you can link this to GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice) and quote this example when discussing judicial reforms and the challenges involved.

3. What specific details about the NCERT textbook are UPSC aspirants likely to be tested on in the Prelims exam?

UPSC might test you on the following: * The name of the textbook: 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond,' Part 2. * The class for which it was intended: Class 8. * The specific chapter that caused the controversy: “The Role of the Judiciary in our Society”. * The reason for the controversy: inclusion of content on 'corruption in the judiciary'. * The fact that the Supreme Court took *suo motu* cognizance.

Exam Tip

Be aware of the exact phrasing used in the question. A common trick is to slightly alter the textbook title or chapter name to make the option incorrect.

4. How does the e-Courts project, mentioned in the background context, relate to the issues raised by the NCERT textbook's content on judicial corruption and backlogs?

The e-Courts project, launched in 2007, aims to digitize court records and streamline court processes. This indirectly addresses the issues raised in the textbook by attempting to reduce backlogs and improve efficiency. While the textbook directly mentioned corruption, the e-Courts project focuses on improving the system's functionality, which can also help in reducing opportunities for corruption by increasing transparency and accountability.

Exam Tip

Remember the year of launch of the e-Courts project (2007). UPSC often asks about the launch years of important government initiatives.

5. If a Mains question asks you to 'critically examine' the role of NCERT in shaping young minds, how could you incorporate this textbook controversy into your answer?

When critically examining NCERT's role, you could: * Acknowledge NCERT's mandate to provide quality educational materials. * Discuss the controversy surrounding the Class 8 textbook as an example of potential missteps or lapses in judgment. * Analyze the Supreme Court's reaction as a check on NCERT's content, highlighting the importance of balancing academic freedom with responsible content creation. * Conclude by emphasizing the need for NCERT to maintain high standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and objectivity in its textbooks.

Exam Tip

Remember to present both positive and negative aspects to fulfill the 'critically examine' requirement. Avoid taking a one-sided stance.

6. What broader trend does this incident reflect regarding the relationship between government institutions and the judiciary in India?

This incident reflects a delicate balance and potential tension between government institutions (like NCERT) and the judiciary. While NCERT is an autonomous body, its actions are subject to judicial review, especially when they touch upon sensitive issues related to the judiciary itself. The Supreme Court's intervention underscores its role as the ultimate guardian of the Constitution and its willingness to step in when it perceives a threat to the integrity of the judicial system. This highlights the judiciary's active role in ensuring accountability, even within other government-affiliated bodies.

Exam Tip

For an interview, be prepared to discuss the importance of maintaining the separation of powers while also ensuring accountability across all institutions.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT): 1. NCERT is an autonomous organization established in 1961 by the Government of India. 2. NCERT advises and assists only the Central Government on policies and programs for qualitative improvement in school education. 3. NCERT's textbooks are never revised to align with the changing needs of students. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 2 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: NCERT was established in 1961 as an autonomous organization by the Government of India. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: NCERT advises and assists both the Central and State Governments. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: NCERT textbooks are revised periodically to align with the changing needs of students and the evolving understanding of different subjects.

2. In the context of the recent controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook, what does 'Suo Motu Cognizance' by the Supreme Court imply?

A.The Supreme Court is acting on a petition filed by a third party.
B.The Supreme Court is acting on its own accord without any formal complaint.
C.The Supreme Court is awaiting a report from the government before taking action.
D.The Supreme Court is delegating the matter to a lower court.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Suo Motu Cognizance means that the Supreme Court has taken up the matter on its own accord, without waiting for a formal complaint or petition to be filed. This power is exercised when the Court believes there is a violation of rights or a matter of public importance that needs immediate attention.

3. Which of the following mechanisms are available for ensuring judicial accountability in India? 1. Codes of conduct for judges 2. Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) 3. Impeachment by the Parliament Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All the given mechanisms are available for ensuring judicial accountability in India. Codes of conduct for judges provide ethical guidelines, CPGRAMS allows the public to file complaints, and impeachment by the Parliament is a constitutional mechanism for removing a judge.

Source Articles

NCERT apologises, says distribution of book with section on ‘corruption’ in judiciary stopped - The Hindu

The Hindu·26 Feb 2026

SC hearing on NCERT Class 8 textbook, updates: Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook with chapter on 'corruption' in judiciary - The Hindu

The Hindu·26 Feb 2026