A factual error in the newly introduced Maharashtra Class 4 Mathematics textbook has sparked concern among teachers and education experts after the book incorrectly mentioned the death date of legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.

The textbook, published by the Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research (Balbharati) under the revised National Education Policy (NEP) curriculum, lists Ramanujan's date of death as April 27, 1920, instead of the historically correct April 26, 1920.

Following objections from teachers, Balbharati has acknowledged the mistake and assured that it will be corrected in the next edition of the textbook.

Teachers flag Ramanujan date error in Class 4 Maths book

The error came to light after educators reviewed the revised Class 4 Mathematics textbook distributed to schools for the 2026–27 academic session.

Teachers said inaccuracies in school textbooks, particularly those intended for primary school students, can create confusion and undermine trust in educational content.

Educationists have urged textbook authorities to strengthen editorial and fact-checking processes before revised books are printed and circulated.

More mistakes found in revised mathematics textbook

Apart from the incorrect death date of Srinivasa Ramanujan, teachers identified several other issues in the revised textbook.

According to educators, the 'Length and Weight' chapter contains an inappropriate example while explaining the concept of weight.

Meanwhile, the English-medium edition reportedly includes an error in the method used to explain the division of a three-digit number by a single-digit number in the 'Division' chapter.

The multiple errors have reignited debate over quality assurance in textbooks introduced under the revised NEP curriculum.

Balbharati confirms printing errors

Responding to the concerns, Balbharati Director Anuradha Oak said the incorrect information was the result of printing errors rather than content revisions.

She clarified that the mistakes have been officially noted and will be rectified in the next edition of the textbook.

According to Oak, the revised textbook has been published in 10 different language mediums, with only the Marathi and English versions containing a few printing-related errors.

She confirmed that both editions incorrectly printed Ramanujan's death date as April 27, 1920, instead of the correct date, April 26, 1920.

QR code videos to provide corrected lessons

To ensure students receive accurate information without waiting for a reprint, Balbharati has announced that corrected explanatory videos will be uploaded through the QR codes already included in the textbooks.

The digital content will provide revised explanations for students and teachers while the corrected editions are prepared for future printing.

Experts call for stronger textbook quality checks

The incident has renewed discussions about editorial oversight in school textbook development, especially as states implement curriculum reforms aligned with the National Education Policy.

Education experts say that while curriculum modernisation is important, factual accuracy remains equally essential, particularly in primary education where textbooks serve as students' first source of knowledge.

They have called for more rigorous proofreading, expert review and quality-control mechanisms to prevent similar errors from appearing in future editions.

The latest controversy highlights the importance of maintaining high editorial standards in school textbooks, ensuring that curriculum reforms are supported by accurate, reliable and error-free educational material.