NEW DELHI: National Council of Educational Research and Training NCERT has reported circulation of unauthorised and pirated copies of its textbooks in both print and digital formats across multiple platforms in India.It said a fake version of the Class IX Social Science textbook Part 1 Understanding Society India & Beyond is being circulated through social media channels websites and messaging groups without approval from the Council.Caution against fake NCERT textbooksNCERT clarified that textbooks are published printed and released only through official channels and no book is authorised for circulation before release.It added that such unauthorised content may be inaccurate incomplete tampered with or fabricated and should not be relied upon by students teachers parents or the general public.Official sources for NCERT textbooksStakeholders have been advised to access NCERT textbooks only through official sources including NCERT website, ePathshala, NCERT textbooks portal, vendor list, soft copies. Legal action and reportingNCERT said it is taking legal action against individuals and entities involved in piracy and circulation of fake content under the Copyright Act 1957 and other applicable laws and urged the public to report unauthorised activity via secy.ncert@nic.inThe Council reiterated that no textbook is authorised for circulation before official release and that all stakeholders must avoid unverified links apps and messaging groups claiming to provide NCERT materials or pre release content.Digital copies are available free of cost on official NCERT platforms and authorised systems ensuring students and teachers have access to verified learning material without reliance on third party sources.Unauthorised reproduction distribution and digital circulation of NCERT copyrighted material is illegal and punishable under the Copyright Act 1957.Students parents and teachers are advised to verify all educational content only from verified NCERT sources and disregard any claims circulating on social media websites or messaging platforms.NCERT is coordinating with relevant authorities to identify sources of fake content and restrict access to unauthorised distribution channels.All stakeholders are encouraged to rely on NCERT official website ePathshala and authorised vendors for authentic textbooks and to report suspicious links promptly to prevent misinformation and safeguard academic integrity across schools and digital learning platforms in the country ensuring students and educators access verified content through trusted government resources at all times without relying on unverified third party distribution channels online across India now.
