With the start of the new academic session, textbook markets and Urdu Bazaars across Pakistan are witnessing a surge in activity as parents and students rush to purchase books, stationery, and related supplies amid a sharp rise in education costs.
Vendors report significant price increases this year, particularly in book-covering materials and services. Applying plastic (X-ray) covers now costs between Rs75 and Rs100 per book, while larger notebooks and registers cost up to Rs130 to cover. A complete set of books can typically be prepared within three to four hours.
The rising demand has also created income opportunities, with many women offering book-covering services from their homes. Informal setups in residential areas are increasingly common, with some individuals even partnering with nearby shops to fulfill bulk orders.
Stationery prices have also climbed due to higher paper costs. A small notebook now costs around Rs150, medium-sized versions are priced at Rs250, and premium notebooks can reach Rs400. Registers are selling for approximately Rs450, while drawing books can cost up to Rs1,000. Practical copies are among the most expensive items, ranging between Rs2,700 and Rs3,000.
Beyond books and stationery, other school-related expenses have also increased. School uniforms cost around Rs3,000, shoes range from Rs2,500 to Rs5,000, and school bags are priced between Rs1,500 and Rs5,000 depending on quality.
Parents estimate that enrolling a single child now requires between Rs20,000 and Rs30,000, including admission fees, books, and essential supplies placing a heavy financial burden on households, particularly those with multiple school-going children.
Adding to the challenge, reports indicate a shortage of up to 40% of new textbooks in the market, further complicating preparations for the academic year.
Meanwhile, authorities have introduced new administrative requirements. The Punjab Education Department has made it mandatory for students to submit B-Forms during admissions for the 2026–27 academic session under the newly introduced Unique Student Identifier (USI) system. Schools have been directed to ensure accurate student data entry into the official School Information System (SIS).
Parents and education stakeholders have expressed growing concern over rising costs, warning that increasing expenses could make quality education less accessible for low-income families.
