NCERT warns against fake and pirated textbooks, urges students to use official sources

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has warned students, parents and teachers about the circulation of pirated and unauthorised NCERT textbooks in both print and digital formats. The Council said it has received information that some textbooks are being shared and distributed even before their official publication and release.

Among the concerns highlighted by NCERT is the circulation of a fake version of the Class 9 social science part 1 textbook, ‘Understanding Society India & Beyond.’ The unofficial copy is being shared through websites, social media platforms and messaging groups that claim to provide NCERT textbooks and related study materials.

NCERT has clarified that these channels are not linked to the Council in any way and have not been authorised to distribute its textbooks or educational content.

Only official NCERT releases are valid

The NCERT textbooks are published and released only through its official channels. It stressed that no textbook is approved for circulation before its official release date.

NCERT also cautioned that material obtained from unofficial sources may contain errors, incomplete information or altered content. In some cases, the content may be entirely fabricated. Because of this, students, teachers, parents and the general public have been advised not to rely on such material.

Piracy of NCERT books is illegal

NCERT stated that the unauthorised printing, reproduction, distribution or online sharing of its copyrighted textbooks is against the law. Such activities are punishable under the Copyright Act, 1957, and other applicable legal provisions.

The Council urged all stakeholders to obtain NCERT textbooks only through official sources, including NCERT’s authorised platforms and recognised vendors. This is the only way to ensure access to authentic and accurate educational material.

Students asked to avoid unverified sources

The Council noted that digital versions of NCERT textbooks are made available free of cost through its official website and the e-Pathshala platform whenever they are released.

NCERT has also advised students and parents not to subscribe to, share or depend on unofficial social media pages, websites, links or applications that claim to offer NCERT books or pre-release study material.