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13 Mar 2026·Source: The Hindu
5 min
RS
Richa Singh|India
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesPolity & GovernanceEDITORIAL

NCERT Textbook Revisions Spark Debate on Constitutional Values and Education

UPSC●SSC

Quick Revision

1.

NCERT has revised school textbooks, removing chapters on democracy, diversity, and the Mughal Empire.

2.

Chapters on the Cold War, the rise of popular movements, and the industrial revolution have also been deleted.

3.

The revisions are criticized for undermining constitutional values like secularism and federalism.

4.

Education is on the Concurrent List, requiring consultation between central and state governments.

5.

Many state boards adopt NCERT textbooks, giving these revisions widespread impact.

6.

The deletions are seen as distorting historical narratives and depriving students of critical perspectives.

Key Dates

1961: NCERT established1976: Education moved to Concurrent List (42nd Amendment)1973: Kesavananda Bharati case (Basic Structure Doctrine)2009: Right to Education (RTE) Act2020: National Education Policy (NEP) announced

Key Numbers

6-12: Class range for which textbooks have been revised42nd: Constitutional Amendment that moved education to the Concurrent List1860: Year of Societies Registration Act under which NCERT is established

Visual Insights

NCERT Textbook Controversies & Judicial Interventions (2002-2026)

This timeline illustrates the key events and controversies surrounding NCERT textbooks and curriculum changes, including recent Supreme Court interventions, highlighting the ongoing debate on educational content and constitutional values.

NCERT textbooks have frequently been at the center of debates concerning historical narratives, political ideologies, and educational content. From 'saffronisation' allegations in the early 2000s to recent 'rationalisation' exercises and judicial interventions, these controversies highlight the sensitive nature of curriculum development in a diverse democratic society.

  • 2002-03Controversy over 'saffronisation' of NCERT textbooks under NDA government, challenged in Supreme Court (Aruna Roy v. Union of India).
  • 2004UPA government reverses controversial textbook changes made by previous government.
  • 2012NCERT cartoon controversy, leading to withdrawal of a political science textbook.
  • 2020National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 released, emphasizing new pedagogy and curriculum development.
  • 2022-2024NCERT undertakes 'rationalisation' exercise, removing chapters on Mughal Empire, Gujarat riots, anti-Sikh riots, and Darwin's theory of evolution.
  • Feb 2026Supreme Court orders immediate ban on NCERT's Class 8 Social Science textbook (Part 2) due to a chapter on 'corruption in the judiciary'.
  • Feb 2026NCERT issues 'unconditional and unqualified apology' and withdraws the controversial Class 8 textbook from circulation.

Mains & Interview Focus

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The recent NCERT textbook revisions, particularly the deletion of chapters on critical historical periods and democratic principles, represent a significant policy misstep with profound implications for India's educational landscape and democratic ethos. This move, ostensibly to reduce curriculum load, appears to be driven by ideological considerations rather than sound pedagogical principles. Such unilateral decisions by a central body like NCERT, without adequate consultation with states or academic experts, fundamentally undermine the spirit of cooperative federalism in education, a subject on the Concurrent List. This approach disregards the diverse socio-cultural contexts across Indian states.

Education is not merely about imparting facts; it is about fostering critical thinking, historical understanding, and civic responsibility. Removing content on the Mughal Empire, the Cold War, or popular movements deprives students of a nuanced understanding of India's complex past and its place in the global order. This selective pruning risks creating a generation with an incomplete and potentially biased historical perspective, ill-equipped to engage with contemporary challenges or appreciate the pluralistic fabric of Indian society. A comprehensive historical narrative is essential for developing a balanced worldview.

The argument of reducing curriculum load, while valid in principle, cannot justify the arbitrary deletion of foundational topics. A more appropriate approach would involve streamlining content, updating pedagogical methods, or integrating themes across subjects, rather than simply excising entire historical periods or crucial democratic concepts. The National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which guides such revisions, emphasizes a holistic and inclusive approach, a principle seemingly overlooked in these recent changes. For instance, the NCF 2005 strongly advocated for connecting knowledge to life outside the school and ensuring learning shifts away from rote methods.

Moreover, the ripple effect on state boards, many of which adopt NCERT textbooks, is concerning. This forces states into a difficult choice: either conform to a centrally dictated, potentially diluted curriculum or invest heavily in developing their own materials, thereby straining resources and potentially creating disparate educational standards across the nation. This centralizing tendency contradicts the spirit of the Right to Education Act 2009, which advocates for inclusive and quality education accessible to all. The long-term impact could be a weakening of India's democratic foundations and a diminished capacity for informed public discourse, hindering the nation's progress towards becoming a truly knowledge-based society.

Editorial Analysis

The author strongly criticizes the NCERT's recent textbook revisions, particularly the removal of chapters on democracy, diversity, and the Mughal Empire. The perspective is that these changes are arbitrary, undermine constitutional values like secularism, federalism, and the spirit of democracy, and distort historical narratives. The author advocates for a transparent, inclusive, and expert-driven approach to curriculum development.

Main Arguments:

  1. The NCERT's removal of chapters on democracy, diversity, and the Mughal Empire from Class 6-12 textbooks, including those on the Cold War, the rise of popular movements, and industrial revolution, is arbitrary and undermines fundamental constitutional values like secularism, federalism, and the spirit of democracy, which are crucial for a pluralistic society.
  2. The revisions were made without proper consultation with experts, academics, or state governments, despite education being on the Concurrent List. This unilateral approach disregards the federal structure and the need for diverse perspectives in curriculum design.
  3. Removing significant historical periods like the Mughal Empire from textbooks distorts the historical narrative, presenting an incomplete and biased view of India's past. This deprives students of a comprehensive understanding of historical evolution and cultural synthesis.
  4. Deleting chapters on challenges to democracy, popular movements, and social inequalities prevents students from engaging with critical issues and developing analytical skills necessary for informed citizenship in a democratic society.
  5. While NCERT textbooks are advisory, many state boards adopt them. The revisions, therefore, have a widespread impact, potentially forcing states to either accept a centrally dictated curriculum or incur significant costs to develop their own, thereby infringing on the spirit of federalism.
  6. The decision to remove content contradicts the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and various expert committees that emphasize the importance of critical thinking, constitutional values, and a comprehensive understanding of history.

Counter Arguments:

  1. The NCERT's justification that deletions were made to reduce curriculum load during the COVID-19 pandemic is refuted, as the author states the deletions are "arbitrary" and "unjustified" given the nature of the content removed.

Conclusion

The NCERT must reverse these arbitrary deletions and adopt a transparent, inclusive, and expert-driven approach to curriculum development. This process should involve wide consultation with academics, historians, and state governments to ensure textbooks reflect India's diverse heritage and constitutional values.

Policy Implications

Reverse the arbitrary deletions made in NCERT textbooks. Adopt a transparent and inclusive process for curriculum development. Ensure wide consultation with experts, academics, and state governments. Prioritize the reflection of India's diverse heritage and constitutional values in educational materials.

Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Role of statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies (NCERT, Supreme Court).

2.

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation (NEP 2020, curriculum changes).

3.

GS Paper 2: Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

4.

GS Paper 4: Ethics and Human Interface; Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration (integrity, accountability, academic freedom vs. institutional dignity).

5.

Prelims: Questions on NCERT's mandate, NEP 2020, Supreme Court's powers (suo motu cognisance, contempt of court), and historical controversies related to curriculum.

View Detailed Summary

Summary

India's school textbooks are being changed by NCERT, with some chapters on history, democracy, and diversity removed. Critics argue these changes are unfair, distort our past, and prevent students from learning important lessons about India's diverse society and democratic values. They want a more open and inclusive process for deciding what children learn.

The Supreme Court of India, on February 26, 2026, ordered an immediate blanket ban on NCERT’s Class 8 Social Science Part 2 textbook, directing the seizure of all physical copies and takedown of digital versions. This decisive action followed the inclusion of a controversial section on “corruption in the judiciary” within the chapter titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society.” The court took suo motu cognisance of the matter on February 25, 2026, after the book, meant for the 2025–26 academic session, was released on February 23, 2026, just a month before the session's completion. Its first part had been released in July 2025. NCERT had already withdrawn Part 2 from sale at its bookstore on January 24, 2026, hours after 32 copies were sold. Following the Supreme Court's intervention, NCERT issued an apology on February 25 for the “inappropriate content” and pledged to rewrite the chapter in consultation with appropriate authorities. The Union government assured the court that the 32 sold copies were being withdrawn. Furthermore, the apex court issued show-cause notices to the NCERT director and the secretary of the department of school education, asking why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. The Ministry of Education instructed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) to ensure compliance and submit an action taken report by February 27, 2026. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan promised an inquiry, accountability, and action against those involved in drafting the disputed content. While officials noted that the new pedagogy mandated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages students to explore real-world challenges, including corruption, the specific mention of judicial corruption without legal review drew severe criticism. The textbook development process is collective and multi-stage, involving a Curricular Area Group (CAG), a textbook development team, subject experts, and multiple review levels, culminating with the National Syllabus and Teaching-Learning Material Committee (NSTC). The controversial chapter was written by a committee including a lawyer but lacked review by anyone from the legal fraternity. Previous Class 8 textbooks did not mention corruption, though new Class 7 and 8 books generally discuss corruption in public offices, the legislature, and elections, and broader democratic challenges like wealth disparity and erosion of judicial independence. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant termed the content a “deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary,” though some academicians, including former NCERT director J.S. Rajput, argued against the harshness, stating the judiciary was not singled out and that NCERT amends books annually. This incident highlights critical issues concerning judicial independence, academic freedom, pedagogical responsibility, and the integrity of curriculum development in India. It is highly relevant for UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance) and GS Paper 4 (Ethics, focusing on integrity and accountability in public life).

Background

NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) was established in 1961 as an autonomous organization to advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education. Its primary role involves preparing and publishing model textbooks, supplementary material, and educational kits, and developing curricula and instructional materials. The content of these textbooks is crucial as it shapes the understanding of millions of students regarding India's history, polity, and society, directly influencing civic education and the inculcation of constitutional values. The Supreme Court of India, as the guardian of the Constitution, plays a vital role in upholding the dignity and independence of constitutional institutions, including the judiciary itself. Its power of judicial review allows it to scrutinize actions of the executive and legislature, and in this case, intervene in matters affecting its own image and the public's perception, especially when disseminated through educational materials. The balance between academic freedom in curriculum design and the need to maintain the dignity of state institutions is a recurring theme in India's educational landscape.

Latest Developments

In recent years, NCERT rationalisation efforts between 2022 and 2024 have led to significant controversies, including the removal of chapters on the Mughal Empire, references to the 2002 Gujarat riots and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and Darwin’s theory of evolution. These revisions have sparked debates about historical accuracy, political influence on curriculum, and the scope of academic freedom. The current controversy surrounding the Class 8 textbook further intensifies these discussions, highlighting the ongoing tension between educational content and political or institutional sensitivities. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates for a pedagogical approach that encourages critical thinking, investigation, and engagement with real-world challenges. While the controversial chapter was reportedly aligned with this new pedagogy, the incident underscores the challenge of implementing such an approach responsibly, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like institutional weaknesses. Future steps will likely involve a more stringent textbook review mechanism, potentially incorporating legal scrutiny and broader pedagogical oversight to ensure content is age-appropriate, evidence-based, and constitutionally balanced.

Sources & Further Reading

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Education was moved to the Concurrent List by which constitutional amendment? How does this make the NCERT textbook revisions particularly impactful?

शिक्षा को 1976 में 42वें संवैधानिक संशोधन द्वारा समवर्ती सूची में डाला गया था। यह महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि इसका मतलब है कि केंद्र और राज्य दोनों सरकारें शिक्षा पर कानून बना सकती हैं। NCERT के संशोधन, भले ही केंद्र द्वारा शुरू किए गए हों, उनका व्यापक प्रभाव पड़ता है क्योंकि कई राज्य बोर्ड NCERT की पाठ्यपुस्तकों को अपनाते हैं, जिससे पूरे देश के लाखों छात्र प्रभावित होते हैं।

Exam Tip

समवर्ती सूची के लिए 1976 का वर्ष और 42वां संशोधन याद रखें। UPSC अक्सर वर्ष और संशोधन संख्या को एक साथ पूछता है, या समवर्ती सूची में डाले गए विषयों के बारे में पूछता है।

2. How do removing chapters on democracy, diversity, and the Mughal Empire from NCERT textbooks "undermine constitutional values" like secularism and federalism, as alleged by critics?

इन अध्यायों को हटाना संवैधानिक मूल्यों को कमजोर करने वाला माना जाता है क्योंकि वे भारत के लोकतांत्रिक और धर्मनिरपेक्ष ताने-बाने की नींव हैं।

  • •Democracy and Diversity: These chapters teach students about India's pluralistic society, democratic principles, and fundamental rights, which are core to the Constitution. Removing them can limit understanding of these values.
  • •Mughal Empire: Critics argue that removing this section distorts historical narratives, potentially affecting the understanding of India's composite culture and secular ethos.
  • •Federalism: While not directly removed, the widespread adoption of centrally revised textbooks by states, despite education being on the Concurrent List, raises concerns about the balance of power and states' autonomy in curriculum design.

Exam Tip

मुख्य परीक्षा के प्रश्नों का उत्तर देते समय, एक मजबूत तर्क के लिए विशिष्ट हटाए गए अध्यायों को विशिष्ट संवैधानिक मूल्यों (जैसे, विविधता को धर्मनिरपेक्षता से, लोकतंत्र को मौलिक अधिकारों से) से जोड़ें।

3. NCERT was established in 1961. Is it a constitutional body, a statutory body, or an autonomous organization? Why is this distinction important for UPSC Prelims?

NCERT 1961 में सोसाइटी पंजीकरण अधिनियम, 1860 के तहत स्थापित एक स्वायत्त संगठन है। यह न तो एक संवैधानिक निकाय (संविधान द्वारा निर्मित) है और न ही एक वैधानिक निकाय (संसद के एक अधिनियम द्वारा निर्मित)।

Exam Tip

UPSC अक्सर विभिन्न सरकारी निकायों की प्रकृति के बारे में प्रश्न पूछकर भ्रम पैदा करता है। याद रखें कि NCERT एक स्वायत्त निकाय है जो एक विशिष्ट अधिनियम के तहत पंजीकृत है, न कि संवैधानिक या वैधानिक निकाय। यह अंतर महत्वपूर्ण है।

4. Why did the Supreme Court take suo motu cognisance and issue an immediate blanket ban on the Class 8 textbook, specifically targeting the "corruption in the judiciary" section?

सुप्रीम कोर्ट की त्वरित स्वतः संज्ञान कार्रवाई कक्षा 8 की पाठ्यपुस्तक में "न्यायपालिका में भ्रष्टाचार" पर विवादास्पद खंड के कारण शुरू हुई थी। कोर्ट ने इसे न्यायपालिका की अखंडता और स्वतंत्रता पर सीधा हमला माना, एक ऐसी संस्था जो संविधान को बनाए रखने और जनता का विश्वास बनाए रखने के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है। स्वतः संज्ञान कोर्ट को अपनी पहल पर कार्यवाही शुरू करने की अनुमति देता है जब सार्वजनिक महत्व या संवैधानिक चिंता का कोई गंभीर मामला उसके संज्ञान में आता है, खासकर यदि यह स्वयं न्यायपालिका को प्रभावित करता हो।

Exam Tip

स्वतः संज्ञान शक्ति और उसके अनुप्रयोग को समझें। मुख्य परीक्षा में, आपको ऐसे संदर्भों में न्यायिक सक्रियता बनाम न्यायिक अतिक्रमण पर चर्चा करने की आवश्यकता हो सकती है।

5. How should the government balance the need for curriculum updates and academic freedom with the imperative to uphold constitutional values and historical accuracy in textbooks?

पाठ्यक्रम अपडेट को संवैधानिक मूल्यों और ऐतिहासिक सटीकता के साथ संतुलित करना एक जटिल चुनौती है।

  • •Transparent Process: Involve a diverse panel of historians, educationists, and constitutional experts, ensuring transparency in decision-making and rationale for changes.
  • •Constitutional Mandate: Ensure all curriculum changes align with the Preamble's ideals (secularism, democracy, justice, liberty, equality) and fundamental duties.
  • •Academic Freedom: Respect the autonomy of educational bodies and experts in designing curriculum based on pedagogical principles, rather than political ideologies.
  • •Consultation with States: Given education is on the Concurrent List, robust consultation with state governments is essential to foster consensus and avoid imposing changes.

Exam Tip

साक्षात्कार के प्रश्नों के लिए, हमेशा एक संतुलित दृष्टिकोण प्रस्तुत करें, विभिन्न दृष्टिकोणों को स्वीकार करें और रचनात्मक समाधान सुझाएं। अत्यधिक रुख अपनाने से बचें।

6. The NCERT rationalisation efforts have been ongoing since 2022. What larger trend do these continuous controversies indicate in Indian education and polity, and what should aspirants watch for in the future?

ये लगातार विवाद पाठ्यक्रम डिजाइन में बढ़ते केंद्रीकरण और वैचारिक प्रभाव के एक बड़े रुझान का संकेत देते हैं, साथ ही भारतीय शिक्षा और राजनीति में ऐतिहासिक आख्यानों और संवैधानिक मूल्यों की व्याख्या पर बढ़ती बहस भी।

  • •Curriculum Control: A shift towards greater central control over educational content, potentially sidelining state-level autonomy despite education being on the Concurrent List.
  • •Historical Revisionism: Ongoing debates about how history is presented, particularly concerning sensitive topics like the Mughal Empire or specific communal events.
  • •Constitutional Interpretation: A re-evaluation or re-emphasis of certain constitutional values over others, sparking discussions on secularism, federalism, and democracy.

Exam Tip

मुख्य परीक्षा के उत्तरों के लिए विशिष्ट घटनाओं (जैसे NCERT संशोधन) को व्यापक रुझानों (केंद्रीकरण, वैचारिक बहस) से जोड़ें। शिक्षा पर भविष्य की नीतिगत घोषणाओं पर ध्यान दें, खासकर राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति (NEP) के कार्यान्वयन और पाठ्यक्रम ढांचे के संबंध में।

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. With reference to the recent NCERT textbook controversy, consider the following statements: 1. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter on February 25, 2026, and ordered a blanket ban on the Class 8 Social Science Part 2 textbook. 2. The controversial chapter on 'judicial corruption' was part of the textbook released in July 2025 for the academic session 2025-26. 3. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates for a pedagogical approach that encourages students to investigate and respond to real-world challenges. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Supreme Court indeed took suo motu cognisance on February 25, 2026, and subsequently ordered a blanket ban on the Class 8 Social Science Part 2 textbook on February 26, 2026, due to the 'judicial corruption' chapter. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The controversial chapter on 'judicial corruption' was part of Part 2 of the Class 8 Social Science textbook, which was released on February 23, 2026. Part 1 was released in July 2025, but the contentious content was in Part 2. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The sources explicitly state that the contents included in the new book were in line with the new pedagogy mandated by the NEP 2020, which asks students to investigate, explore, and respond to complex questions, real-world challenges, and problems.

2. Which of the following instances of judicial or governmental intervention related to NCERT textbooks is/are correctly matched? 1. Aruna Roy v. Union of India (2002): Supreme Court upheld the validity of National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2000 against 'saffronisation' allegations. 2. 1978: Janata Party government withdrew R.S. Sharma’s Ancient India due to objections on Marxist interpretation and references to beef-eating. 3. 2012: Removal of chapters on Mughal Empire and 2002 Gujarat riots from textbooks under 'rationalisation' efforts. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: In Aruna Roy v. Union of India (2002), the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2000, which was challenged on grounds of promoting 'saffronisation'. Statement 2 is CORRECT: In 1978, the Janata Party government withdrew R.S. Sharma’s Ancient India from the CBSE syllabus, citing objections that its Marxist interpretation of history and references such as beef-eating in ancient India hurt religious sentiments. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The removal of chapters on the Mughal Empire and references to the 2002 Gujarat riots occurred between 2022 and 2024 as part of the 'rationalisation' of NCERT books, not in 2012. In 2012, a controversy arose over a cartoon in a Class 11 political science textbook, leading to resignations and deletion of cartoons.

Source Articles

​Justice for all: On the NCERT textbook issue, the judiciary - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Mar 2026

NCERT under scrutiny: Legal literacy or political agenda? - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Mar 2026

SC NCERT Book Controversy: NCERT issues 'unconditional, unqualified apology' over textbook with reference to 'corruption' in judiciary - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Mar 2026

Selective outrage: on Supreme Court and NCERT textbook - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Mar 2026

In Focus Podcast | Was the SC’s move to ‘ban’ the NCERT textbook an instance of judicial censorship? - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Mar 2026
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About the Author

Richa Singh

Public Policy Researcher & Current Affairs Writer

Richa Singh writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.

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