NCERT issues ‘unconditional, unqualified apology’ over textbook with reference to ‘corruption’ in judiciary

After the Supreme Court of India pulled up the National Council of Educational Research and Training over a reference to “corruption” in the judiciary in a Class VIII social science textbook, the NCERT on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) issued an “unconditional and unqualified apology” for the chapter in question. 

Last month, a chapter in the NCERT’s newest textbook for Social Sciences on the role of the judiciary had caused uproar over the chapter on the role of the judiciary.

The Supreme Court registered a suo-motu case over the reference and the NCERT was quick to withdraw the book and issue an apology for the “error in judgement” that had “crept into” the book. 

However, in oral observations, the court had questioned the NCERT’s initial statement. 

On Tuesday (March 10, 2026), the NCERT issued a statement, saying, “The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said Chapter IV. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available.” 

The NCERT added that it “sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused and appreciated the understanding of all stakeholders”. It also said that the NCERT “remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content”.