CHANDIGARH, April 23, 2026: In a major student-centric reform aimed at transforming the school education system, the Punjab Government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann has introduced a new mechanism for textbook distribution in private schools affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board.
Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, textbooks for all classes—from I to XII—will be supplied directly by PSEB to students, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of authorised agencies and private bookshops.
Direct Supply to Cut Costs and Ensure Transparency
Announcing the reform, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision is aimed at making education more affordable, transparent, and efficient for students and their families.
He emphasized that schools will now act only as facilitators in distributing textbooks and will not be allowed to generate any profit from the process. “Schools must ensure that no amount beyond the discounted printed price is charged. This reform will directly benefit over 10 lakh students studying in private schools,” he stated.
The Minister further highlighted that the 15% discount, which was earlier given to book sellers, will now be directly passed on to students. This move is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on parents and bring fairness into the system.
Digital Ordering System to Streamline Distribution
To support the new system, PSEB has developed a dedicated e-commerce platform that will manage the entire textbook ordering and distribution process. Students and parents will be able to place orders through a mobile application or an online portal, while schools will upload class-wise and subject-wise requirements digitally.
Each student will receive individual login credentials, allowing parents to directly place orders if needed, ensuring convenience and flexibility in the process.
Chairman of PSEB, Dr. Amarpal Singh, stated that the portal is integrated with a secure online payment gateway, ensuring smooth, transparent, and hassle-free transactions.
He added that the system has been specifically designed to eliminate any possibility of overcharging and to maintain complete transparency at every stage.
Strict Compliance and Efficient Delivery Mechanism
Under the new framework, PSEB’s regional offices will prepare textbook bundles based on the orders received and ensure timely delivery to schools and students.
To enforce accountability, schools will be required to submit a formal undertaking confirming that they will not charge any additional amount beyond the prescribed discounted price. This step ensures strict compliance with the policy and protects students from any hidden costs.
A Step Towards Affordable and Accessible Education
This reform reflects the Punjab Government’s continued focus on improving access to quality education while reducing unnecessary financial pressure on families. By eliminating intermediaries and digitizing the process, the government aims to create a more transparent, efficient, and student-friendly education system.
The initiative is expected to bring long-term structural change in textbook distribution, setting a new benchmark for education reforms in the state.
