Newton Called a Pilot, Wheat Labeled as Rice: 1,678 Shocking Blunders Reported in Odisha School Books
A serious controversy has emerged in Odisha over newly introduced school textbooks, with authorities identifying as many as 1,678 errors across subjects and classes for students from Class 1 to 8. The issues have raised concerns over the quality of educational material prepared under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for the 2026–27 academic session.
The textbooks, introduced in government schools, were developed by the Directorate of Teacher Education and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), with inputs from teachers and academic experts as part of NEP-aligned curriculum reforms.
Printing Delays and Early Concerns
The textbooks reached schools late due to printing delays, and a subsequent review revealed widespread mistakes. Teachers reported errors ranging from spelling issues to serious factual inaccuracies across multiple subjects.
The textbooks reached schools late due to printing delays, and a subsequent review revealed widespread mistakes. Teachers reported errors ranging from spelling issues to serious factual inaccuracies across multiple subjects.
Newton Described as a Pilot
One of the most shocking errors appears in a science textbook, where Isaac Newton is incorrectly described as a “great pilot” instead of a scientist. The book also contains a distorted account of his famous experiments, misrepresenting basic scientific facts.
One of the most shocking errors appears in a science textbook, where Isaac Newton is incorrectly described as a “great pilot” instead of a scientist. The book also contains a distorted account of his famous experiments, misrepresenting basic scientific facts.
Major Historical and Geographic Blunders
Several geography and history-related errors have also been reported. A photograph of the Karnataka Assembly has been wrongly labeled as the Odisha Assembly. Similarly, images of the Hampi temple complex were used to depict the Konark Sun Temple.
Several geography and history-related errors have also been reported. A photograph of the Karnataka Assembly has been wrongly labeled as the Odisha Assembly. Similarly, images of the Hampi temple complex were used to depict the Konark Sun Temple.
In another case, the Huma Salt Pans in Ganjam district were incorrectly placed in “Berhampur district,” while the Niyamgiri hills were wrongly described as being located in Jharkhand instead of Odisha.
Errors Across Science, Math, and Languages
Errors Across Science, Math, and Languages
Mistakes are not limited to one subject. Across mathematics, science, and geography textbooks, multiple inaccuracies have been identified.
Examples include wheat being labeled as rice, a glass being called a cup, temperature being confused with pressure, the food web being written as food cycle, and the equinox being incorrectly described as the equator.
Examples include wheat being labeled as rice, a glass being called a cup, temperature being confused with pressure, the food web being written as food cycle, and the equinox being incorrectly described as the equator.
Officials also confirmed that similar errors were found in textbooks across Odia, Hindi, Sanskrit, English, and Urdu mediums.
Concerns Over Education Quality
The scale of errors has sparked serious concerns among educators, parents, and academic experts. Teacher associations have criticized the textbooks, stating that such mistakes at the foundational learning level could severely impact students’ understanding.
Concerns Over Education Quality
The scale of errors has sparked serious concerns among educators, parents, and academic experts. Teacher associations have criticized the textbooks, stating that such mistakes at the foundational learning level could severely impact students’ understanding.
Parents have also expressed anger, demanding immediate corrections and accountability, arguing that children’s education cannot be compromised due to such negligence.
Chief Minister Orders High-Level Probe
In response to the controversy, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a high-level investigation into the matter. The government has sought a detailed report within seven days to determine how such widespread errors occurred and who is responsible.
Chief Minister Orders High-Level Probe
In response to the controversy, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a high-level investigation into the matter. The government has sought a detailed report within seven days to determine how such widespread errors occurred and who is responsible.
Officials have also been directed to ensure strict quality checks in future textbook preparation to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
