NCERT Partners with Amazon for Textbooks
NCERT to Distribute Textbooks via Amazon for Fair Pricing
The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has taken a significant step in ensuring students across India have fair access to quality educational materials. In a new initiative, NCERT signed a deal with e-commerce giant Amazon on October 7 to sell its textbooks through the online platform Amazon.in. This collaboration is set to provide equitable access to textbooks at the prescribed rates, ensuring affordability and availability even in remote regions.
The NCERT textbooks on Amazon initiative aligns with the government’s vision of making education accessible for all, addressing long-standing issues like delayed textbook availability and regional shortages.
NCERT to Publish 15 Crore Textbooks This Year
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, announcing the deal on Monday, shared that NCERT plans to significantly boost its publication this year. “NCERT will triple-fold the publication of books and print 15 crore books this year,” Pradhan said. This move is part of a larger effort to bridge the gap in textbook availability, ensuring students and institutions across the country can access necessary learning materials on time.
Since its establishment in 1963, NCERT has been a cornerstone of India’s educational infrastructure, shaping the curriculum for millions of students. Over the years, the organization has published more than 220 crore books and journals, making it one of the country’s leading educational think tanks.
Books to Be Sold at Fair Prices Nationwide
One of the main advantages of this partnership with Amazon is the assurance that NCERT textbooks on Amazon will be available at a fair price. The books will be distributed at their Maximum Retail Price (MRP), ensuring no additional costs are passed on to students and schools.
Pradhan stressed the importance of making textbooks available at equitable prices, saying, “The books should be available at MRP,” and added that this move is aimed at benefiting nearly 300 million students in India during the Amrit Kaal—a pivotal period leading up to India’s 100th year of independence.
NCERT Textbooks Available in 20,000 Pin Codes
Through this partnership, NCERT books will be made accessible in over 20,000 pin codes nationwide. This extensive distribution network ensures that students, even in the most remote areas, will be able to order and receive NCERT textbooks on Amazon without facing the challenges of regional shortages or delays in availability.
E-Books and AI-Driven Innovations for Digital Learning
In addition to expanding access to physical textbooks, the education minister emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology into learning. Dharmendra Pradhan called for the development of e-books that are interactive and AI-driven, featuring innovations such as talking books. This aligns with the government’s broader vision of making education more engaging and relevant for the 21st-century learner.
Pradhan highlighted that while traditional textbooks are essential, e-books and digital learning tools will play a crucial role in making education more accessible and enjoyable for students. These efforts are particularly significant as India moves forward in the Amrit Kaal, focusing on improving the quality and reach of education for future generations.
Tackling Piracy and Ensuring Authentic Textbooks
One of the significant challenges that NCERT has faced over the years is the sale of pirated and counterfeit textbooks, often sold at inflated prices. The collaboration with Amazon aims to address this issue directly. The platform will monitor and take down unauthorized sellers, ensuring that only original NCERT textbooks on Amazon are sold.
This measure will help curb the distribution of counterfeit books and ensure that students receive genuine NCERT materials at the prescribed prices. The system also ensures transparency in pricing, with all textbooks being sold at or below the printed MRP.
Bulk Orders for Schools and Institutions
Aside from serving individual customers, Amazon will also work closely with NCERT to streamline bulk orders for schools and government agencies. This partnership is expected to simplify the procurement process for educational institutions that need large volumes of textbooks. Schools and agencies will be able to place bulk orders directly through Amazon’s NCERT storefront, making the entire process more efficient and cost-effective.
A Solution to Regional Textbook Shortages
The collaboration between NCERT and Amazon addresses a key concern: the regional shortages of textbooks that have plagued schools in some parts of the country. By leveraging Amazon’s extensive logistics and delivery network, students and schools in even the most remote areas will now have access to timely delivery of textbooks.
According to a senior official in the education ministry, this partnership will significantly reduce the supply gaps and delays in the availability of textbooks. “Through Amazon’s vast delivery network, students and schools, even in the most remote areas, will be able to purchase textbooks at the prescribed prices,” the official said.
The Future of Education in India
The NCERT textbooks on Amazon initiative marks a new chapter in India’s education system, making learning materials more accessible, affordable, and protected against piracy. With the added focus on digital learning tools, the government is paving the way for an inclusive, future-ready education system.
This partnership is not just about selling textbooks—it’s about creating a robust distribution system that ensures equitable access to education across the nation. Whether through physical books or AI-driven e-books, the goal is to provide every student in India with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Disclaimer:
This content is based on publicly available information regarding the NCERT-Amazon collaboration. Results or availability may vary depending on location and delivery factors.