Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has launched PSEB Pustak Portal, an e-commerce platform through which students, parents and schools can order online textbooks written and printed by PSEB. The initiative aims to improve access to authentic textbooks, make learning materials more affordable and prevent private booksellers from overcharging.According to PSEB, more than 1.2 million students in Punjab are expected to benefit from the portal. The textbooks will be sold at a flat discount of 15% and are expected to save students and parents nearly Rs 2.15 million annually. PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh, Retired. The IAS said the board is the first education board in the country to introduce an e-commerce portal for sale and delivery of textbooks.Direct ordering system for students and schoolsStudents, parents and schools can place orders directly through the portal. The school will facilitate distribution of books but will not charge any amount beyond the rates prescribed by PSEB. The purpose of this arrangement is to ensure that textbooks are supplied at a uniform price and to eliminate the possibility of overcharging by private booksellers.The board has printed 2.25 billion copies of 361 textbooks in Punjabi, English and Hindi for distribution through the new system.Multiple collection and delivery optionsTo improve accessibility, PSEB has established 97 delivery and pick-up centers across Punjab. Books collected from these centers will not incur any additional charges. Students can also purchase textbooks directly from PSEB regional offices and enjoy the same 15% discount.For door-to-door delivery, PSEB has partnered with India Post to offer Jian Post scheme to students. The freight charges are fixed at preferential rates and range from Rs 20 to a maximum of Rs 100 for consignments weighing up to 5 kg.Public school students continue to receive free booksPublic school students will continue to receive free textbooks from the state. Books for the academic session 2026-27 have been delivered to government schools.PSEB stated that the new portal aims to ensure timely delivery of authentic textbooks, increase transparency in the distribution process, provide greater convenience to students and parents in Punjab, and make official learning materials more accessible through online and offline channels.
