New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training NCERT has reported that unauthorized pirated copies of its textbooks in both print and digital formats are circulating on multiple platforms in India.The report said that fake versions of Part 1 of the Class IX social science textbook “Understanding Society in India and Beyond” are being circulated through social media channels, websites and messaging groups without the approval of the Board of Governors.Be wary of fake NCERT textbooksNCERT clarified that textbooks are printed and distributed only through official channels and no book will be authorized for circulation before its release.It added that such unauthorized content may be inaccurate, incomplete, falsified or fabricated and should not be relied upon by students, teachers, parents or the public.Official source of NCERT textbooksStakeholders are advised to obtain NCERT textbooks only from official sources including National Computer Emergency Response Team website, E-Path Salad, NCERT Textbook Portal, supplier list, soft copy. Legal Actions and ReportsNCERT said it is taking legal action under the Copyright Act, 1957 and other applicable laws against persons and entities involved in piracy and dissemination of false content and urged the public to report unauthorized activities at secy.ncert@nic.inThe Board reiterated that no textbook shall be authorized for circulation before its official release and all stakeholders must avoid using unverified link applications and message groups claiming to provide NCERT material or pre-release content.Digital copies are freely available on the official NCERT platform and licensing system, ensuring students and teachers can access verified study materials without relying on third-party sources.Unauthorized copying, distribution and digital circulation of NCERT copyrighted material is illegal and punishable under the Copyright Act, 1957.Parents and teachers of students are advised to verify only all educational content from verified NCERT sources and ignore any claims circulating on social media sites or messaging platforms.NCERT is coordinating with relevant authorities to identify the sources of false content and restrict access to unauthorized distribution channels.All stakeholders are encouraged to rely on NCERT official website ePathshala and authorized vendors for authentic textbooks and promptly report suspicious links to prevent misinformation and maintain academic integrity in schools and digital learning platforms across the country, ensuring students and educators always get verified content through trusted government sources without relying on unverified third-party online distribution channels across India.
