AI SummaryUttarakhand government Free Textbook Scheme provides free textbooks to students of Class 9 to 12 studying in government and government-aided schools across the state. The scheme covers general, OBC, SC and ST category students and was first announced while presenting the Uttarakhand Budget 2023-24 on 15 March 2023.
The scheme is still running and the state government keeps releasing funds for it every year. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami approved ₹54.72 crore under the Free Textbook Scheme for the financial year 2025-26, and for the new academic session 2026-27 the education department has made sure free books reach schools before the session begins. This article explains the latest update, allocation and how the scheme works.
Free Textbook Scheme in Uttarakhand
Under this scheme, students of Class 9 to 12 in government and government-aided secondary schools get their full set of textbooks free of cost. The main aim is to make sure no student drops out or falls behind because of the cost of books, and to give equal study opportunities to children from all categories.
For the academic session 2026-27, the education department has set a target to deliver free books to all schools by 28 March 2026, before the new session starts. This time the department has planned the distribution well in advance so that students do not have to wait for their books after the session begins.
Latest Update for Session 2026-27
According to the Secondary Education Department, more than 9.73 lakh students across the state will get over 82 lakh free books for the 2026-27 session. The books are being distributed through schools by the education department, and the target is to reach every government and aided school by 28 March 2026.
The distribution is divided into two parts. Students of Class 1 to 8 get their books under the primary education arrangement, while students of Class 9 to 12 get theirs under the secondary education arrangement. Director of Secondary Education Dr. Mukul Kumar Sati has confirmed that the department is working to complete the delivery before the session begins.
Budgetary Allocation for Free Textbook Distribution
When the scheme was first announced in the Uttarakhand Budget 2023-24, the following allocation was made for free textbooks for Class 9 to 12 students:-
- General / OBC Students - Rs. 25 crore
- SC Students - Rs. 10 crore
- ST Students - Rs. 1.24 crore
Since then, the state government has kept releasing funds for the scheme every year. For the financial year 2025-26, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami approved ₹54.72 crore under the Free Textbook Scheme, which shows the government's continued focus on free education for secondary students.
Short Brief on Uttarakhand Free Text Book Scheme
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Free Textbook Scheme |
| in Hindi | निःशुल्क पाठ्य पुस्तक योजना |
| State Name | Uttarakhand |
| Implementing Agency | Education Department of UK State |
| Beneficiaries | Students in Class 9th to 12th in govt./govt aided educational institutions |
| Date of Announcement | 15 March 2023, while presenting Uttarakhand Budget 2023-24 |
| Latest Allocation | Rs. 54.72 crore for FY 2025-26 |
How Free Textbooks Are Distributed
The books are given directly through the schools, so students do not need to fill any separate online form or apply on any portal. The education department prints the books and sends them to the schools, and the schools hand over the full set of textbooks to the eligible students at the start of the session.
Students studying in government and government-aided schools in Class 9 to 12 get the benefit automatically. The school verifies the student list and distributes the books, so there is no separate registration process for the students.
FAQ's
Is the Uttarakhand Free Textbook Scheme still running?
Yes, the scheme is still running. The state government released ₹54.72 crore for it in FY 2025-26 and free books are being distributed for the 2026-27 session.
Who can get free textbooks under this scheme?
Students of Class 9 to 12 studying in government and government-aided secondary schools in Uttarakhand, from general, OBC, SC and ST categories, can get the benefit.
Do students need to apply online for free textbooks?
No. The books are distributed directly through the schools, so there is no separate online application or registration process for students.
Source / Reference link: Uttarakhand Budget 2026-27