In a bold move to safeguard quality education, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has seized over 4.71 lakh pirated textbooks across India since 2024, as revealed by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary in a Rajya Sabha statement on July 23, 2025. With 29 raids, stock and machinery worth over ₹20 crore confiscated, and cutting-edge anti-piracy tech from IIT Kanpur, NCERT is striking at the heart of the piracy racket. This crackdown ensures students get authentic, affordable textbooks—because education shouldn’t come with a counterfeit price tag!
- Key Points:
- Over 4.71 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks seized since 2024.
- 29 raids targeted manufacturers and sellers of fake textbooks.
- Stock and equipment worth ₹20 crore confiscated nationwide.
Why Piracy? The Commercial Motive
Piracy isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a multimillion-rupee scam driven by “unscrupulous elements” chasing profits, per Minister Chaudhary. These counterfeit textbooks, often bearing forged NCERT logos and watermarks, flood markets, undercutting the council’s mission to provide high-quality textbooks at no-profit, no-loss prices. From Delhi to Uttar Pradesh, the piracy network has been thriving, but NCERT’s aggressive response is turning the tide.
- Key Points:
- Piracy fueled by commercial greed, harming students and NCERT’s mission.
- Fake textbooks mimic NCERT’s logos, deceiving buyers.
- NCERT’s goal: Affordable, quality education for every student.
NCERT’s Anti-Piracy Arsenal
NCERT isn’t just playing defense—it’s launching a full-scale offensive against piracy:
- Raids Galore: Since 2024, 29 FIRs have been filed, targeting printers, warehouses, and retailers. A notable raid in Muzaffarnagar, UP, with UP Police, seized 1.5 lakh pirated books worth ₹2 crore, alongside printing plates and vehicles.
- Delhi Bust: On May 16, 2025, Delhi Police arrested a father-son duo, Prashant and Nishant Gupta, and Arvind Kumar, recovering 1.7 lakh fake books worth ₹2.4 crore from Shahdara and Hiranki.
- Price Slashes: NCERT reduced textbook prices by 20% to make authentic books more accessible.
- Tech Innovation: A patented anti-piracy solution from IIT Kanpur was piloted on 1 million Grade 6 textbooks, using advanced tech to detect fakes.
- Modern Upgrades: Improved paper quality, modern printing machines, and online sales via e-commerce platforms ensure timely availability.
- Key Points:
- 29 raids, 1.7 lakh books seized in Delhi alone, worth ₹2.4 crore.
- IIT Kanpur’s tech solution piloted on 1 million Grade 6 books.
- 20% price cut and e-commerce push make authentic books affordable.
The Delhi Piracy Racket: A Case Study
In May 2025, Delhi Police busted a major piracy operation in Shahdara and Hiranki, arresting Prashant Gupta (48), his son Nishant Gupta (26), and Arvind Kumar from Haryana. Acting on a tip-off, police raided Anupam Sales on Mandoli Road, uncovering 27 pirated Class 12 Social Science textbooks with forged NCERT emblems. A follow-up raid at a Hiranki warehouse revealed 1.6 lakh more fake books, valued at ₹2.4 crore. The accused admitted to running the racket for years, lured by easy profits. A case under Section 318 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Copyright Act, 1957, is ongoing.
- Key Points:
- Delhi Police seized 1.7 lakh pirated books worth ₹2.4 crore.
- Father-son duo and accomplice arrested after raids.
- Case filed under Copyright Act; investigation continues.
Challenges in the Fight Against Piracy
While NCERT’s efforts are commendable, challenges remain:
- Supply Chain Complexity: Piracy networks span printers, warehouses, and retailers, requiring extensive investigations.
- Internal Issues: A 2020 report flagged potential NCERT insider involvement, with delays in acting on whistleblower tips. A recent case saw an inspector suspended for alleged embezzlement of ₹2 crore during a seizure.
- Market Reach: Despite price cuts, pirated books remain cheaper, attracting unsuspecting buyers.
- Key Points:
- Complex piracy networks demand coordinated crackdowns.
- Allegations of insider involvement raise concerns.
- Cheaper fakes still compete with NCERT’s affordable originals.
Impact on Students and Education
Pirated textbooks aren’t just a financial loss—they compromise quality education. Poorly printed fakes often contain errors, outdated content, or missing sections, shortchanging students. NCERT’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality textbooks to every student is undermined when fakes flood the market. The ₹20 crore worth of seized stock reflects the scale of this threat, but NCERT’s proactive measures aim to restore trust.
- Key Points:
- Pirated books harm students with substandard content.
- NCERT’s no-profit model ensures affordability for all.
- Seizures protect the integrity of India’s education system.
Tips for Students and Parents
Don’t fall for fakes! Here’s how to ensure you’re getting authentic NCERT textbooks:
- Buy from Trusted Sources: Purchase from NCERT’s official website, ncert.nic.in, or authorized e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Flipkart.
- Check for Authenticity: Look for NCERT’s watermark, official logos, and correct pricing.
- Report Suspicious Sellers: Inform NCERT or local police about dubious bookstores or online sellers.
- Stay Informed: Follow NCERT’s updates on X (@ncert) for alerts on piracy and availability.
- Key Points:
- Use official NCERT channels for textbook purchases.
- Verify watermarks and logos to avoid fakes.
- Report piracy to help NCERT’s crackdown efforts.
The Bigger Picture: NCERT’s Vision
NCERT’s fight against piracy aligns with its core mission: delivering quality education to every corner of India. By reducing prices, upgrading printing, and leveraging IIT Kanpur’s anti-piracy tech, NCERT is ensuring students get authentic resources. However, controversies like the omission of Tipu Sultan and Haidar Ali from the new Class 8 Social Science textbook have sparked debate, with X users like @tarushi_aswani questioning if textbooks are becoming “political manifestos.” Despite such concerns, NCERT’s anti-piracy efforts remain a critical step toward equitable education.
- Key Points:
- NCERT’s mission focuses on affordable, quality textbooks for all.
- New Class 8 textbook omissions stir controversy online.
- Anti-piracy measures strengthen trust in educational resources.
Join the Fight Against Piracy!
NCERT’s crackdown on over 4.7 lakh pirated textbooks since 2024 is a victory for quality education. With ₹20 crore in seized assets, 29 raids, and innovative tech from IIT Kanpur, the council is sending a clear message: piracy won’t win. Students, parents, and educators can support this battle by choosing authentic textbooks and reporting fakes. As @the_hindu tweeted, “Over 4.7 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks seized since 2024!” Let’s ensure every student gets the real deal—visit ncert.nic.in and join the movement for genuine education
