NCERT Seizes 5 Over Lakh Pirated Textbooks Worth Rs 2 Cr, 29 FIRs Registered

Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 10:14 IST

NCERT has seized over 5 lakh pirated textbooks and filed 29 FIRs nationwide in a major crackdown on textbook piracy.

In a major crackdown on textbook piracy, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in coordination with law enforcement agencies, has seized more than 5 lakh pirated copies of NCERT textbooks across India over the last 14 months. Acting under a zero-tolerance policy, this initiative comes in response to the growing menace of piracy, which not only causes financial losses to the government but also poses serious quality and health concerns for students.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Education on June 2, 2025, NCERT has registered 29 FIRs against those involved in the illegal printing, distribution, and sale of pirated textbooks. Authorities confiscated large quantities of printing machinery and paper worth over Rs 20 crore, and arrested several accused in multiple operations.

Key raids included one at a warehouse in Muzaffarnagar, where over 1.5 lakh pirated books, vehicles, and printing plates were seized. Another raid in Samalkha, Haryana led to the discovery of a printing press churning out fake textbooks.

To combat the growing menace of pirated textbooks — which not only lead to revenue losses for NCERT and the Government but also pose health risks to students due to poor-quality paper and ink — NCERT has taken several decisive steps:

Enhanced Print Quality: Significant improvements have been made in the quality of paper and printing of NCERT textbooks.

Timely Availability: Measures are in place to ensure timely printing and adequate supply of NCERT textbooks in the market.

Crackdown on Piracy: Proactive enforcement actions are being taken against printers, distributors, and retailers involved in the sale of pirated textbooks.

Paper Mill Action: A paper mill in Kashipur involved in producing fake NCERT watermarked paper has faced strict action.

Online Accessibility: NCERT books will now be available on major e-commerce platforms at MRP, with no delivery charges, to improve accessibility and curb piracy.

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Anti-Piracy Tech Innovation: In collaboration with IIT Kanpur, NCERT has introduced a technology-driven anti-piracy solution. This new method has been successfully piloted on 10 lakh copies of a textbook and will be expanded to all titles next academic year, replacing the outdated watermark system that pirates have learned to replicate.

“NCERT reaffirms its commitment to act against any individual or network involved in the illegal printing, distribution, or sale of pirated textbooks. Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to report such instances by writing to pd.ncert@nic.in,” the ministry added.

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