The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued a public warning after discovering that unauthorised versions of a Class 9 Social Science textbook are being circulated across social media platforms, websites, and messaging applications.
The advisory comes at a time when discussions surrounding content related to the Emergency period in India have attracted public attention.
Council Denies Authenticity of Viral Book Copies
NCERT clarified that only textbooks released through its official publication channels should be considered authentic. The council stated that a purported version of the Class 9 Social Science book titled “Understanding Society: India and Beyond” is being shared online before its official release.
According to the council, any material distributed through unofficial sources may contain altered, incomplete, or misleading information that should not be relied upon by students, parents, or educators.
Legal Action Warning Issued
The education body warned that the unauthorised reproduction and circulation of NCERT material violate copyright laws and could lead to legal consequences.
Officials urged students and schools to obtain textbooks only through official platforms, including the NCERT website, ePathshala, and authorised vendors.
Focus Turns to Emergency-Era Content
The controversy gained attention after reports emerged about content discussing the Emergency imposed between 1975 and 1977. The reported chapter describes the period as a significant challenge for Indian democracy and references restrictions imposed during those years.
The discussion has led to debate among political observers and education stakeholders regarding how historical events are presented in school curricula.
Fresh Curriculum Debate Emerges in Karnataka
Separately, an education rights organisation in Karnataka has raised concerns about content in a newly introduced Class 6 Kannada textbook.
The group alleged that the textbook places greater emphasis on religious themes while giving less attention to regional culture and social diversity. It claimed that the trend reflects broader concerns regarding curriculum changes under the National Education Policy framework.
Students Advised to Use Official Sources
Amid the ongoing discussions, NCERT has reiterated that students, teachers, and parents should verify educational material through official channels before using it for academic purposes.
The council stressed that authentic textbooks are released only through approved publication systems and that any unofficial version should be treated with caution until formally verified.
