PRAYAGRAJ, Oct. 19 -- In a move to enhance accessibility and affordability of textbooks, the Uttar Pradesh Board has, for the first time, directed publishers to supply NCERT-based textbooks issued under its mandate directly to all 75 districts of the state.

This change, introduced for the 2026-27 academic session, is expected to benefit over one crore students of Classes 9 to 12 across more than 28,000 UP Board-affiliated schools. Unlike previous years, when local retailers were responsible for procuring textbooks, the Board has now made it mandatory in its latest tender for publishers to handle distribution directly, officials said.

"This early start in the publication and supply process, five months ahead of the usual schedule, means ...