NCERT partners with Army Postal Service to deliver textbooks to defence children in remote areas

NCERT and Army Postal Service join hands

In a major step towards improving access to quality education, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Army Postal Service Corps (APS) under the Ministry of Defence. The MoU was formalized on 27th August 2025 at NCERT Headquarters, New Delhi.

The agreement will allow NCERT textbooks to be delivered to the children of troops stationed in remote and far-flung parts of the country through the wide network of Field Post Offices (FPOs) operated by the APS.

Key leaders present at the signing

The MoU was signed by Shri Aman Sharma, Secretary, NCERT, and Major General Shipra Sharma, Additional Director General, Army Postal Service. The event was attended by Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT and Prof. P.C. Agrawal, Joint Director, NCERT, marking the significance of this collaboration.

Why this collaboration matters

For years, students in remote defence stations have faced difficulties in accessing genuine NCERT textbooks. With this partnership:

• NCERT textbooks will now be available at scale through APS’s field postal network.

• Defence families across Army, Air Force, and Navy will benefit.

• It directly supports the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes equitable access to quality education.

Advancing inclusive education

This collaboration is not only a logistical achievement but also a strong message about inclusivity in education. By leveraging the extensive reach of the Army Postal Service, the government ensures that children of defence personnel—regardless of where they are posted—can access authentic NCERT textbooks.

It is an important step towards bridging the education access gap and strengthening the foundation for defence children to pursue academic excellence even in the toughest terrains.

Looking ahead

The NCERT-APS MoU sets a precedent for how inter-departmental cooperation can solve long-standing challenges in education delivery. As India continues to modernize its education system under NEP 2020, such initiatives will help ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of geography or circumstances.