The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has denied reports of a controversial chapter on the Emergency in Class 11 political science textbooks. The organization stated that the version circulating online is fake and that it will take legal action against those responsible.
Fake Version Circulated Online
In a statement released on June 25, 2026, NCERT clarified that the chapter titled "Emergency: A Dark Phase in Indian Democracy" is not part of any official textbook. The council noted that a fabricated version of the chapter has been shared on social media platforms and some websites, leading to confusion among students and parents.
According to NCERT officials, the fake chapter contains inflammatory language and historical inaccuracies that do not align with the council's curriculum. "We have not introduced any such chapter. The material being circulated is entirely false and misleading," said a senior NCERT official.
Legal Action Announced
NCERT has announced that it will initiate legal proceedings against the individuals or entities responsible for creating and disseminating the fake content. The council has urged the public to rely only on official NCERT publications and to report any suspicious materials.
"We are taking this matter seriously and will pursue legal action to prevent the spread of misinformation," the official added. The council has also requested social media platforms to remove the fake content promptly.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after several news outlets reported that NCERT had included a chapter critical of the Emergency period (1975-1977) in the Class 11 political science textbook. The reports claimed that the chapter described the Emergency as a period of authoritarian rule and violation of civil liberties.
However, NCERT has consistently denied these claims, stating that the current textbooks do not cover the Emergency in detail. The council emphasized that any changes to the curriculum are made through a transparent process involving subject experts and are publicly available on its website.
Impact on Students and Parents
Students and parents have expressed concerns about the conflicting information. Many have taken to social media to seek clarification. In response, NCERT has advised students to ignore the fake chapter and refer to the official syllabus and textbooks available on the NCERT website.
"We urge students not to be misled by unverified content. Our textbooks are designed to provide accurate and balanced information," the official said.
NCERT's Commitment to Quality Education
NCERT has reiterated its commitment to providing high-quality educational materials. The council regularly updates its textbooks based on feedback from educators and experts. Any modifications to the curriculum are announced through official channels.
The fake chapter incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age. NCERT has called for vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure that students have access to authentic learning resources.
