# Punjab free textbooks cut to 24.1 million copies for 2027-28, 60% below 2022-23 as enrolment rises

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/education/punjab-free-textbooks-cut-to-241-million-copies-for-2027-28-60percent-below-2022)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 5 Nov 2026
Updated: 5 Nov 2026
Retrieved: 5 Nov 2026

> The province printed more than 60 million free books four years ago. Officials say book banks and outsourced schools explain the drop; the education minister says 2.5 million more children are in school.

**Punjab plans to print only 24.1 million free textbooks for government schools in the 2027-28 session**, down about **60%** from more than 60 million copies in 2022-23, ProPakistani reported on Wednesday. The cut comes while enrolment in Punjab's government schools has passed **10.5 million**, and Provincial Education Minister **Rana Sikandar Hayat** says 2.5 million more children have joined.

## The printing plan for 2027-28

| Classes | Copies planned |
|---|---|
| Primary (1 to 5) | 14.8 million |
| Grades 6 to 8 | 4.3 million |
| Grades 9 and 10 | 3.2 million |

The remaining copies cover other classes and subjects. In 2022-23 the province printed more than 60 million books.

## Why the numbers fell

Officials at the Programme Monitoring and Implementation Unit (PMIU) gave two reasons:

1. **Book banks.** Schools collect books from students who move up a class and hand them to the next intake, so fewer new copies are needed.
2. **Outsourced schools.** Some government schools have been outsourced to private operators, which reduces the number of books the province itself must supply.

Punjab has also shortened its books: in September the School Education Department said the new curriculum cuts textbook content by about 25% and adds QR-code video lessons ([our story](/news/education/punjab-cuts-school-textbooks-by-25percent-in-new-curriculum-qr-video-lessons-in)).

## The supply problems this year

The plan has drawn questions because this year's books did not reach everyone. In September, newly enrolled children reportedly waited for free books after the summer holidays, and an October report found a shortage of about **839,000 textbooks**, which led to extra printing orders, according to ProPakistani.

## What parents can do

- **Ask the school first.** Free books in Punjab government schools are issued through the school; if your child has none, the head teacher should record the shortfall.
- **Book bank copies** are usually used books in good condition. Check the edition matches the current curriculum.
- **Complaints** about missing books can go to the district education authority (CEO Education) in your district.

For other school and exam news, including board result dates, see our [education section](/news/education) and the [12th class result 2026 page](/news/education/12th-class-result-2026-punjab-boards).

## Frequently asked questions

**How many free textbooks will Punjab print for 2027-28?**

About 24.1 million copies, including 14.8 million for primary classes, 4.3 million for grades 6 to 8 and 3.2 million for grades 9 and 10, according to ProPakistani.

## Sources

- Free Textbook Printing Drops 60% Despite Claims of 2.5 Million More Students in Punjab (4 Nov 2026) (ProPakistani): https://propakistani.pk/2026/11/04/free-textbook-printing-drops-60-despite-claims-of-2-5-million-more-students-in-punjab/

How to cite: "Punjab free textbooks cut to 24.1 million copies for 2027-28, 60% below 2022-23 as enrolment rises", Searchable, 5 Nov 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/education/punjab-free-textbooks-cut-to-241-million-copies-for-2027-28-60percent-below-2022