The newly revised Class 10 textbooks in Kerala were supposed to be officially released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Assembly on March 25, 2025.
However, just days before the launch, the textbooks were leaked online, sparking major controversy. The leaked content includes both English and Malayalam versions of the Biology textbook and the Malayalam version of the Chemistry textbook.
Details of the Leak
The Biology textbook was reportedly uploaded online on March 21, followed by the Chemistry textbook on March 23. While the Biology content was directly published as PDFs, the Chemistry material appears to have been scanned from printed copies.
The leaked chapters include:
- Biology: Three chapters, with the first titled The Genesis of Life.
- Chemistry: Four chapters, beginning with Nomenclature and Isomerism of Organic Compounds.
There are also reports suggesting that textbooks for other Class 10 subjects may be leaked soon. A blog linked to the leak has even listed upcoming topics and provided a WhatsApp contact for further details.
The leak of Kerala's Class 10 textbooks has raised serious concerns among education authorities. The Biology textbook was uploaded online first, followed by the Chemistry textbook, with both spreading quickly among students and tuition centers.
Key details about the leak include:
Content Leaked:
The leaked materials include both English and Malayalam versions of the Biology textbook and the Malayalam version of the Chemistry textbook. The Biology content consists of three chapters, while the Chemistry material contains four chapters. A blog linked to the leak has listed upcoming topics and even shared a contact number for inquiries.
Involvement of Educators:
The blog hosting the leaked content is reportedly run by teachers from government and aided schools. Their participation raises concerns about whether the leak was an inside job. SCERT has confirmed the leak and is investigating the matter.
Previous Incidents:
This is not the first time Kerala's education system has faced such issues. In the past, exam question papers were also leaked online through platforms like YouTube. In December 2024, similar leaks led to police investigations and strict warnings from the General Education Department.
SCERT has assured that strict measures will be taken to prevent such leaks in the future and hold those responsible accountable.
Teachers' Involvement Raises Questions
What makes this leak even more concerning is the involvement of teachers in the unauthorized release. The blog where these textbooks were posted is reportedly run by educators from government and aided schools. The platform features their photographs, including that of a state resource person at the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and a principal of a higher secondary school.
SCERT Director R K Jayaprakash has confirmed the leak and stated that strict actions will be taken against those responsible. This incident follows previous issues in Kerala's education system, such as the leakage of Plus One exam question papers.
Impact on the Official Release
The premature circulation of these textbooks could have serious consequences:
Loss of Trust
With students and teachers already accessing the leaked content, the credibility of the official release may be affected.
Possible Delays or Revisions
SCERT has acknowledged the issue and may need to reconsider its release strategy. This could lead to delays or even modifications to the official versions.
Legal and Disciplinary Actions
Since state-funded teachers were reportedly involved, authorities might take strict action, including legal proceedings and disciplinary measures.
Stronger Security Measures
This incident might push the government to introduce stricter regulations on textbook distribution to prevent future leaks.
What Happens Next?
With SCERT taking the matter seriously, an investigation is expected to follow. The focus now is on identifying those responsible and ensuring such incidents do not repeat in the future. Meanwhile, students and educators await further updates on how the official release will proceed.
This controversy highlights the ongoing challenges in securing educational materials and the need for better control over digital distribution. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
