NCERT Warns Students and Teachers Against Pirated and Fake Textbooks

The NCERT has warned students and parents against using pirated versions of its textbooks, specifically a fake Class 9 Social Science book circulating online. The council stressed that only official sources should be used and warned of legal action against those distributing unauthorized copyrighted content.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued a formal warning to students, parents, and educators regarding the circulation of pirated NCERT textbooks. This alert comes after the council identified counterfeit versions of its materials being distributed across various digital platforms and physical channels.

Specifically, the NCERT noted that a fake, unauthorized copy of the Class 9 Social Science textbook, titled 'Understanding Society: India & Beyond' (Part 1), is currently being shared on social media, messaging apps, and external websites. These platforms often falsely claim to offer official council materials, misleading the public into accessing inaccurate or incomplete information.

Risks of Using Pirated NCERT Textbooks

The council emphasized that these illegitimate sources have no association with the NCERT. Using such materials poses a significant risk to the learning process, as the content found in these pirated books may be entirely fabricated, tampered with, or significantly incomplete. Reliance on these unverified sources could negatively impact students' academic preparation and overall understanding of the curriculum.

To ensure academic integrity, the NCERT has strongly advised stakeholders to procure printed copies only through authorized vendors. Furthermore, the council reminds the public that official digital versions of all its textbooks are available free of cost through its official website and the ePathshala portal. Students and teachers are urged to avoid subscribing to or sharing any unverified links or applications that promise access to pre-release or proprietary educational materials.

Legal Action Against Unauthorized Distribution

Distributing copyrighted material without explicit permission is a serious legal issue. The NCERT underscored that the unauthorized printing, reproduction, and distribution of its books constitute a violation of the Copyright Act, 1957, and other relevant legal frameworks. The council is actively taking measures, including potential legal proceedings, against entities involved in the piracy of its educational content.

By bypassing official channels, those involved in this piracy are not only violating the law but also undermining the quality of education provided to students. The council continues to monitor the situation closely to protect the intellectual property of its publications and ensure that only verified, high-quality resources reach the classroom. Parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious platforms offering NCERT books.