Odisha's New Textbooks Under Fire: Over 1,600 Errors Found!

In Odisha, teachers have raised serious concerns regarding the new textbooks for Classes I-VIII, citing over 1,600 errors including spelling mistakes and incorrect names of prominent figures. The Primary Teachers Association has called for immediate action to rectify these issues, while the government acknowledges the errors and promises corrections. The opposition party has criticized the government for undermining the Odia education system, labeling the situation a national embarrassment. Read on to learn more about the implications of these findings and the government's response.

By Ambika Singh Jun 16, 2026, 20:50 IST

Concerns Raised Over Textbook Errors in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A group of educators from government schools in Odisha has highlighted numerous inaccuracies in the newly introduced textbooks for students in Classes I-VIII. These include 'spelling errors' and 'incorrect names' of notable figures.

According to Bramhananda Maharana, the president of the Primary Teachers Association, over 1,600 'errors' have been identified in these educational materials.

The textbooks were developed in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and are set to be implemented starting from the 2026-27 academic year.

The reported 'errors' encompass a variety of issues, including 'spelling mistakes, incorrect names of prominent individuals, factual inaccuracies, and misrepresented photographs'.

Maharana pointed out that a total of 1,678 errors were found, including a case where a picture of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly was mistakenly used instead of the Odisha Assembly.

Additionally, the Niyamgiri Hills in Odisha were inaccurately stated to be located in Jharkhand.

Maharana has called for an investigation and accountability for those responsible for these mistakes.

'The government must promptly rectify these errors and provide updated textbooks to students,' he urged.

In response, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond acknowledged the department's awareness of the issues and stated that corrective measures are being taken.

'As these textbooks are newly created, some printing errors may have occurred,' he noted.

Meanwhile, the Opposition BJD has accused the BJP government of 'ruining' the Odia education system.

Party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty described the textbooks as a 'national embarrassment', asserting that such errors not only diminish the value of the Odia language and culture but also threaten students' futures.

The BJD has demanded the immediate withdrawal of all 'defective textbooks' and a thorough investigation.