Odisha Textbook Errors Trigger Concern as Teachers Report Over 1600 Mistakes in New Class 1-8 Books

Odisha’s new school textbooks for Classes 1 to 8 have come under serious criticism after a section of teachers reported more than 1,600 errors in the books prepared for the 2026-27 academic session. These textbooks were introduced in line with the National Education Policy 2020, but teachers say they contain a wide range of mistakes, including spelling errors, incorrect names of well known personalities, factual mistakes and even wrong photographs. The issue has raised concern among teachers, students and political leaders with many now demanding immediate correction and redistribution of the books. Read the article for further information.

Teachers Flag 1,678 Errors, Government Promises Rectification

According to Bramhananda Maharana, president of the Primary Teachers Association, a total of 1,678 errors have been found in the new textbooks. He highlighted some major examples, including the use of a photograph of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly instead of the Odisha Assembly. In another serious mistake, Odisha’s Niyamgiri Hills were described as being in Jharkhand. Maharana has demanded a proper inquiry into how these mistakes happened and called for action against those responsible. He also said the government should quickly correct the books and provide revised copies to students.

Responding to the controversy, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said the department is aware of the issue and is taking steps to fix it. He stated that since the textbooks were newly prepared, some printing mistakes may have occurred. Meanwhile, the opposition BJD strongly attacked the government over the matter. Party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty described the textbooks as a national embarrassment and said such mistakes damage Odia language, literature, and culture, while also affecting students’ future. The party has demanded that all defective textbooks be withdrawn immediately and that a high-level inquiry be ordered.Overall, the issue has turned into a major education concern in Odisha, with pressure growing on the government to act fast and restore confidence in the school system.