NCERT pulled a Class 8 textbook after a judiciary chapter sparked controversy over corruption and backlogs, apologizing and vowing a rewrite.

The NCERT has withdrawn its Class 8 Social Science textbook, "Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II," following a controversy over a chapter on the judiciary that mentioned corruption and case backlogs. The book was released on February 24, 2026, but was pulled the following day due to Supreme Court concerns and a Ministry of Education directive. Only 38 of the 225,000 copies printed were sold, and the remainder were recalled. The NCERT apologized for "inappropriate textual material and errors of judgement," stating that the content was unintentional and not intended to undermine the judiciary. The affected chapter will be rewritten in consultation with experts and reissued prior to the 2026-27 academic year.