NCERT signs MoU with CWC for nationwide textbook distribution under NEP 2020

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), under the Ministry of Education, has taken a major step toward modernising textbook distribution in India. On 17th September 2025, NCERT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), a Navaratna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. The agreement was formalised at the CWC Headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

What this MoU means for students and schools

Strategic distribution centres across India

Until now, NCERT textbooks could only be lifted in bulk from five central locations across the country. This system often led to high costs, delays, and logistical challenges for schools and vendors. With the new partnership, NCERT will leverage CWC’s extensive warehousing network to establish state-level distribution centres. Schools and distributors will now be able to access textbooks from nearby CWC warehouses, significantly reducing cost, time, and effort.

Benefits for vendors and last-mile delivery

• Reduced transportation costs: Vendors will no longer need to travel long distances to collect textbooks.

• Faster access to stock: Textbooks will be readily available at local warehouses.

• Improved last-mile delivery: Students will get their textbooks on time, helping schools start sessions without delays.

Supporting NEP 2020 goals

This initiative directly supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises providing affordable, high-quality educational resources to every learner. By strengthening the logistics framework, NCERT aims to ensure greater transparency, reliability, and accessibility in its supply chain. The collaboration also reflects the Government of India’s vision of building a robust educational infrastructure that leaves no student behind.

Why this matters

For decades, availability of NCERT textbooks has been a recurring challenge in many parts of India. Schools in remote areas often faced delays, forcing students to rely on alternative or outdated materials. With this new distribution model:

• Schools can plan better with a reliable textbook supply.

• Parents will find it easier and more affordable to purchase NCERT books.

• Students across India will benefit from timely access to standardised learning resources.

Stay tuned to Edzy for the latest updates on CBSE, NCERT, and school education.