The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued a public warning against the circulation of pirated textbooks, specifically flagging a counterfeit version of the Class 9 Social Science textbook. The fake book, titled 'India and the Contemporary World – I', has been found in the market, posing as the official NCERT publication.
NCERT's Official Statement
In a statement released on its official website, NCERT clarified that any textbook not bearing the official NCERT logo and ISBN is unauthorized. The council emphasized that pirated books often contain errors, outdated information, and may mislead students. “We have received reports of a fake Class 9 Social Science textbook being sold. Students and parents must verify the authenticity of textbooks before purchasing,” the statement read.
How to Identify Genuine NCERT Textbooks
NCERT has provided guidelines to help identify genuine textbooks. Official books are printed on high-quality paper with a specific watermark and include the NCERT logo on the cover. The ISBN number is unique and can be verified on the NCERT website. Additionally, the price of the official textbook is printed on the back cover. The council advises buyers to purchase only from authorised retailers or directly from the NCERT online store.
Impact on Students and Education
The use of pirated textbooks can have serious consequences for students. Incorrect content can lead to poor academic performance and confusion during exams. “Pirated books undermine the quality of education and violate copyright laws,” said an NCERT official. The council has urged educational institutions to report any suspicious sales and has promised strict action against publishers and sellers involved in the illegal trade.
Past Incidents and Measures
This is not the first time NCERT has flagged pirated textbooks. In 2022, the council had warned against fake versions of Class 10 and Class 12 textbooks. To combat this, NCERT has strengthened its distribution network and launched awareness campaigns. The council also encourages students to access free digital versions of textbooks on its e-pathshala portal.
Call to Action
NCERT has appealed to the public to verify the authenticity of textbooks and report any suspicious copies to the council or local authorities. “We urge everyone to be vigilant and help us maintain the integrity of educational materials,” the statement concluded. For verification, visit the official NCERT website at ncert.nic.in.
