In a significant move to support the education sector, the Indian government has officially announced a reduction in GST on academic books starting from September 2025. This decision, aimed at easing the financial burden on students and parents, has been welcomed across schools, colleges, coaching institutes, and publishing houses. The revised tax policy is now in effect and applies to a wide range of textbooks, competitive exam materials, and reference guides.
The Ministry of Finance issued the notification after consultations with the Ministry of Education and academic publishers. With rising educational costs, this GST cut is expected to make quality learning resources more accessible and affordable for millions of students across India.
Scope of the GST Reduction on Academic Books
As per the new rules, all academic and curriculum-based books have been moved from the earlier 12% GST slab to a reduced rate of 5%. This applies to books printed for:
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CBSE, ICSE, and State Board curriculum
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Undergraduate and postgraduate academic subjects
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Competitive exam preparation (NEET, JEE, UPSC, SSC, etc.)
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Skill development courses and vocational training
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Reference books recommended by educational institutions
The academic book category has been defined under a new notification, ensuring that publishers and retailers can implement the tax changes effectively without ambiguity.
Immediate Benefits for Students and Parents
The revised gst structure brings much-needed relief to students and guardians dealing with high book prices at the beginning of every academic year. Key advantages include:
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Reduction in prices by ₹30–₹150 per book, depending on subject and publisher
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Lower overall cost of education, especially for students buying multiple books
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Discounted bundles for exam preparation available at coaching centres and online stores
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Reduced cost of eBooks and audiobooks, as digital academic content also qualifies
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School book shops and college stores already reflecting price drops in invoices
The savings are particularly helpful for students from middle- and lower-income families, helping bridge the learning gap and reduce dropout rates caused by affordability concerns.
Implementation Across Bookstores and Online Retail
The revised gst rates have already been updated by major retailers, including:
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Amazon and Flipkart
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Academic publisher outlets like S. Chand, Arihant, Oswaal
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Local school bookstores and university outlets
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Educational platforms like BYJU’S, Unacademy, and Testbook for digital content
Both online and offline sellers are mandated to display updated tax invoices, ensuring full transparency in pricing. This has led to a notable uptick in academic book sales since the September 2025 rollout.
Government’s Long-Term Vision for Education Accessibility
This tax reform is aligned with the National Education Policy’s goal of affordable and inclusive learning. By lowering the cost of academic materials, the government is empowering students across all tiers to access the same quality resources—whether in metros or remote rural areas.
Further proposals are under review to extend similar gst relief to educational stationery, lab manuals, and coaching fees in future budget cycles. The long-term goal is to build a stronger, more equitable learning ecosystem where affordability doesn’t stand in the way of academic excellence.
FAQs
What is the new GST rate for academic books?
The GST on academic books has been reduced from 12% to 5% effective from September 2025.
Which books qualify for the GST cut?
The tax cut applies to curriculum-based textbooks, competitive exam guides, higher education books, and digital academic content.
Where can students benefit from this new pricing?
Books purchased from Amazon, Flipkart, school shops, coaching centres, and digital platforms are now available at reduced rates.
Does the GST reduction apply to eBooks?
Yes, digital versions of academic books and study material also qualify for the revised GST rate.
How will this help Indian students?
The price cut reduces the overall education expense, especially for students preparing for competitive exams or pursuing higher education in expensive streams.
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