The new academic year in Gujarat has begun today, June 26, 2025, with over 1.15 crore students returning to school after their summer vacation. The Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, along with other ministers and officials, inaugurated the School Admission Festival 2025, which will take place over three days until June 28.
In a significant move, the Gujarat State Textbook Board has completed the distribution of free textbooks for grades 1 to 12 in response to school requests. This initiative aims to ensure that all students receive their necessary materials before the academic year starts. Education Minister Dr. Kuber Dindor and State Minister Prabhulbhai Pansheriya have overseen this process.
This year, approximately 4.5 crore free textbooks and around 1.5 crore priced textbooks have been distributed, reaching all students in grades 1 to 12. The textbook distribution has been done ahead of schedule, which is a first for the state.
Additionally, to help students prepare for their examinations, textbooks for grade 10 are provided to those completing grade 9, and grade 12 textbooks are given to grade 11 completers. This allows students to study during their vacation. The Gujarat State Textbook Board has confirmed that this distribution covers all mediums of instruction.
As part of the initiative, over 2.5 crore free textbooks in Gujarati and other mediums for grades 1 to 8 have been distributed across the state. Similarly, for grades 9 to 12, more than 2 crore free textbooks have been distributed at the school development block level, ensuring that all requests were met prior to the school reopening.
The textbook board has also prepared materials for government, grant-in-aid, model schools, KGBVs, and ashram schools under the free textbook scheme. Furthermore, textbooks for students enrolled in Suman schools and the Gujarat State Open School have been delivered on time. After the board exams in March 2025, all priced textbooks for grades 10 and 12 have been made available in sufficient quantities in the market, ensuring that students have what they need when classes resume.
In cases where there are difficulties obtaining priced textbooks, the Board encourages contacting their sales depot in Ahmedabad for assistance. The process of ordering and managing supply has transitioned online, resulting in a significant saving of around ₹225 crore over the past two years. This efficiency has allowed for a reduction in textbook prices by up to 45%, benefiting both students and the state government.
With the new academic year starting, the state is also ensuring that safety checks are conducted in schools. Municipal commissioners and collectors are inspecting schools to confirm compliance with building use permissions and fire safety regulations. Schools lacking required permissions may face closure until these issues are resolved.
This year’s changes follow a significant decision by the Gujarat government to shift the academic year start date to April, allowing for more effective use of school days and reducing long summer breaks. This decision is expected to improve the educational environment and increase the number of instructional days for students.
As the new term starts, the excitement among students and teachers is palpable. Schools across Gujarat are buzzing with activity, and this year promises to be a productive one for all involved in education.
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