NCERT warns students, schools against fake textbooks circulating online

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has cautioned students, parents, teachers, and schools against using unauthorized copies of its textbooks, following reports of fake and pirated study materials being circulated online and offline.

In a public notice issued on June 24, the council said it had detected multiple instances of counterfeit NCERT textbooks being distributed in both digital and printed formats.

According to the council, some of these materials were being shared even before the official publication of the books.

NCERT flagged a fake version of the Class 9 Social Science textbook, Understanding Society: India & Beyond (Part 1), that is currently circulating online.

The council warned that such unauthorized copies may contain inaccurate information, altered content, omitted chapters, or entirely fabricated sections, potentially misleading students and affecting their learning.

The council reiterated that NCERT textbooks are published only through official channels after completing the prescribed publication process and that no textbook is authorized for circulation before its formal release.

Students and parents have been advised to access digital textbooks exclusively through trusted sources, including the official NCERT website and the e-Pathshala portal and mobile application.

NCERT also urged the public to avoid downloading materials from unknown websites, social media pages, or messaging groups that claim to provide advance copies or NCERT content.

The education body further noted that reproducing, printing, distributing, selling or sharing NCERT textbooks without authorization constitutes a violation of copyright law.

Such actions may attract legal proceedings under the Copyright Act, 1957, and other applicable regulations.

NCERT said it is taking action against individuals and entities involved in the creation and distribution of fake educational content. It has also appealed to students, educators and members of the public to report instances of unauthorized textbook circulation.

Emphasizing the importance of authentic learning resources, the council urged stakeholders to rely only on official platforms for accessing NCERT textbooks and educational materials.