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Punjab to directly supply textbooks to private school students via PSEB portal from 2026-27, says minister
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that the Punjab School Education Board will directly supply textbooks to Class I-XII students in PSEB-affiliated private schools starting in 2026-27, ending the monopoly of authorised agencies. The move aims to improve transparency, reduce family costs, and ensure timely availability of textbooks through a new e-commerce portal, with a 15% discount flowing directly to students.
Why It Matters
The policy seeks to lower costs for families and increase accountability in textbook procurement by removing intermediaries and centralising distribution through schools.
Timeline
6 Events
Compliance required from schools
April 23, 2026
Schools will be required to submit an undertaking confirming that no additional charges will be levied beyond the prescribed discounted price, ensuring strict compliance with the new policy.
Textbook bundles and distribution logistics
April 23, 2026
Based on the orders received, PSEB's regional offices will prepare textbook bundles for timely collection by schools and students.
Payment integration and transparency features
April 23, 2026
The portal has been integrated with a secure online payment gateway to ensure seamless, transparent and efficient transactions, with the system designed to eliminate any scope for overcharging and maintain complete transparency.
PSEB e-commerce portal and ordering process
April 23, 2026
PSEB has developed a dedicated e-commerce portal. Students can place textbook demands through a mobile application or the online portal, while schools upload class-wise and subject-wise requirements digitally. Each student will be provided with individual login credentials to enable parents to place orders directly if required.
15% discount to directly benefit students through schools
April 23, 2026
Bains stated that the 15% discount, which was earlier extended to book sellers, will now directly benefit students through schools.
Announcement of direct textbook supply to private schools
April 23, 2026
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will directly supply textbooks to every Class I to XII student in PSEB-affiliated private schools from the 2026-27 academic session, ending the long-standing monopoly of authorised agencies and bookshops. He said the move aims to improve transparency, reduce costs for families and ensure timely availability of textbooks without intermediaries.