The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a strong advisory to all affiliated schools across India, cautioning them against the rising circulation of counterfeit NCERT textbooks. The Board has stated that several unauthorised sellers are distributing fake NCERT books at discounted prices, leading to concerns over poor printing quality, inaccurate content, and misleading information, which can significantly impact students’ academic learning. The advisory directs schools to ensure that only genuine NCERT books from authorised channels are used by students for classes across CBSE-affiliated institutions. This update is especially important for parents, educators, and school management across India, the Middle East, and other CBSE-affiliated regions globally.
CBSE emphasised that schools must counsel parents to purchase original NCERT books and verify the credibility of vendors. If schools procure books in bulk, they are responsible for ensuring purchases only from sources recognised by NCERT and CBSE, safeguarding academic integrity.
Why CBSE Issued the Advisory
According to CBSE, multiple complaints were received regarding fake NCERT books being sold by non-authorised local vendors. These counterfeit books often contain:
- Incorrect content
- Printing errors
- Low-quality paper and binding
- Missing topics or factual inaccuracies
Such deficiencies not only confuse students but also undermine standardized learning outcomes, especially for classes preparing for CBSE Board Exams.
Where to Buy Authentic NCERT Textbooks
CBSE has officially listed the following authorised sources for the purchase of genuine NCERT textbooks:
- NCERT Regional Production & Distribution Centres (RPDCs)
- Authorised vendors listed on the NCERT website
- NCERT Postal Supply Service via the official NCERT portal
- Official NCERT Amazon Storefront (verified and managed directly by NCERT)
Schools and parents are instructed to avoid purchasing books from unverified sellers offering heavy discounts or bulk rates.
CBSE Instructions to Schools
Schools have been directed to:
- Inform and counsel parents, students, and teachers about the risks of fake NCERT books
- Purchase NCERT books only from recognised sources
- Share the advisory with the entire school community
- Contact the nearest RPDC for clarification and assistance
CBSE stressed that strict adherence to this advisory is essential to maintain accuracy, quality, and reliability of study materials crucial for students’ academic success.
Quick Reference Summary
| Information | Details |
| Issued By | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Reason for Advisory | Circulation of counterfeit NCERT books |
| Who Must Follow | All CBSE-affiliated schools, parents, students |
| Approved Purchase Sources | RPDCs, NCERT website vendors, Postal Service, Amazon NCERT Store |
| Purpose | Ensure academic accuracy and safeguard student learning |
Risks of Using Fake NCERT Textbooks
Fake textbooks can severely impact students’ understanding, especially in subjects requiring precision such as Science, Mathematics, Economics, and Social Science. Some risks include:
- Learning incorrect concepts
- Errors impacting board exam preparation
- Difficulty aligning with teachers’ lesson plans
- Compliance issues with CBSE and NCERT guidelines
Original NCERT books undergo rigorous content review, making them the only reliable learning resource for CBSE students.
How Parents Can Identify Genuine NCERT Books
- Check the NCERT logo and hologram
- Verify the ISBN number
- Compare the book with NCERT’s digital textbook available on ePathshala
- Buy only from listed authorised sources
Parents should immediately report any suspected counterfeit books to school authorities or NCERT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Why has CBSE issued an advisory on NCERT textbooks? |
| Due to reports of fake NCERT books being sold by unauthorised sellers, posing risks to accuracy and quality. |
| What are the risks of using counterfeit NCERT books? |
| They may contain printing errors, incorrect content, and poor physical quality, affecting student learning. |
| Where can I buy genuine NCERT books? |
| From RPDCs, authorised vendors on the NCERT website, NCERT Postal Supply Service, and the official NCERT Amazon storefront. |
| Can schools procure NCERT books on behalf of students? |
| Yes, but only through authorised channels recognised by NCERT and CBSE. |
| How can parents ensure the books are genuine? |
| By verifying ISBN numbers, checking NCERT logos, and buying only from approved vendors. |
| Who should schools contact for support? |
| The nearest NCERT Regional Production & Distribution Centre (RPDC). |
| Are discounted NCERT books reliable? |
| Not necessarily; many counterfeit books are sold at discounted rates by unauthorised sellers. |
| Is sharing the CBSE advisory mandatory for schools? |
| Yes, CBSE has instructed schools to share the advisory with parents, teachers, and students. |
The CBSE advisory on counterfeit NCERT textbooks highlights the importance of ensuring students receive authentic, error-free learning materials. Schools must act immediately to inform parents and verify all textbook sources. For official updates and a list of authorised vendors, visit the NCERT and CBSE official websites, and bookmark this page for future academic notices and alerts.
