The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has embarked on a significant initiative to enhance the accessibility and availability of its textbooks across India, particularly for students from Kindergarten to Class 12, as well as those preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. This endeavor is made possible through a strategic partnership with Amazon India.
In a ceremony marking the signing of a Letter of Engagement (LoE) between NCERT and Amazon, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that NCERT will triple its textbook publication this year, aiming to print 15 crore books. This collaboration is designed to ensure that NCERT textbooks are available at the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) across all serviceable pin codes in India, thereby guaranteeing that students have access to genuine and affordable educational resources[1][2][4].
One of the primary objectives of this partnership is to leverage Amazon’s extensive distribution network to make NCERT textbooks widely available. This move addresses long-standing issues related to the availability and distribution of these books, which have often been a concern for students and educators. By making these textbooks available on Amazon.in, NCERT and Amazon aim to ensure that students, regardless of their geographical location, can access these essential learning materials without any barriers[3][4].
The partnership also simplifies the process of bulk ordering for government agencies and schools. NCERT has appointed designated distribution vendors who will work closely with sellers on Amazon to facilitate timely and efficient deliveries. This streamlined approach will make it easier for institutions to procure large volumes of textbooks, further enhancing the accessibility of educational resources[1][2][4].
A dedicated NCERT Bookstore has been set up on Amazon.in, providing a single, easily accessible location for the full range of NCERT textbooks. This initiative is part of a broader effort to build a more transparent and trustworthy educational ecosystem. By ensuring that genuine NCERT textbooks are available at fair prices, Amazon and NCERT are working together to support the learning journey of millions of students across India[4].
The significance of this partnership extends beyond mere convenience; it is a step towards ensuring that quality education is accessible to all. NCERT textbooks form the backbone of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum and are crucial for UPSC preparation. The availability of these textbooks on Amazon will help in reducing the reliance on local bookstores and unauthorized sellers who often distribute overpriced books. This will also help in monitoring and removing such unauthorized sellers, ensuring that students receive genuine learning materials[3].
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that this collaboration is a vital step towards enhancing the overall ease of living for students and educators. By making NCERT textbooks available through Amazon.in, the partnership aims to support the academic journey of students and contribute to building a strong and developed nation. Pradhan highlighted that quality education and ease of living are essential for national development, and this initiative aligns with these goals[1][2][4].
In addition to the benefits for individual students, the partnership also includes a feedback mechanism. NCERT can utilize customer reviews and feedback on Amazon to improve the quality of its textbooks, further enhancing the educational resources available to students.
In conclusion, the partnership between NCERT and Amazon India marks a significant milestone in making quality education more accessible and affordable for students across India. By leveraging Amazon’s vast distribution network and technology, NCERT is ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and robust educational ecosystem.
[Original Article Link](https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/ncert-partners-with-amazon-to-make-k-12-books-available-pan-india-2613168-2024-10-08)