Lucknow Man Shocked As Single School Book Costs Rs 1,035: ‘Private Schools Are Looting’

Last Updated:March 25, 2026, 4:52 PM IST

A man has triggered widespread concern among parents after revealing that a Class 5 English textbook cost him Rs 1,035.

The book is being used in Lucknow’s City Montessori School. (representative image)

Education is becoming expensive day by day. Rising school fees, uniforms, and book costs are making education increasingly difficult to afford for many middle-class families. This issue has once again come into focus after a Class 5 English textbook priced at over Rs 1,000 sparked concern among parents in Lucknow. In a viral video circulating on social media, a man highlights the issue while holding the textbook.

He reveals the single book, part of the Burlington English series, is being used in the Cambridge section of City Montessori School and is priced at Rs 1,035. Yes, you read that correctly.

Speaking in Hindi, he questions the pricing, saying, “This is an English book of City Montessori School. Its name is Burlington English. How much does it cost? Just one book. Rs 1035. So, Maniya Sarkar, if Abdul has become tight, then tighten the schools too. Such expensive books. One book is for Rs 1035. How much does it cost? Rs 50.”

What Do Other Parents Have To Say?

Panning the camera towards another parent who also brought the same book, he asked for his opinion on the rising costs, “Bhaia kya kahenge is mehngai pe?”

He expresses frustration, suggesting that increasing expenses are affecting children’s futures. “Bhaia puchiye mat. Hindu is in danger. If we say something, Hindu will be in danger. Nothing else. Hindu children are also in danger. Children’s future is over. If we say something now, the price will go up,” he said.

Social Media Questions The Reason Behind Such High Costs

The video has triggered widespread reactions online, with many users questioning the pricing of school books. Tagging Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, one user urged authorities to regulate textbook pricing, asking what justifies such high costs for a single book.

“Hello @dpradhanbjp ji, please bring some regulation to school textbook pricing as well. What exactly is being taught that a single book costs ₹1000? This is not education anymore, it’s becoming a financial burden on families.”

‘What Kind Of Arbitrary Pricing Is This?’ Social Media Reacts

Several others echoed similar concerns. One user alleged that private schools are putting excessive financial pressure on the middle class through costly books, while another questioned how a book that may cost significantly less to produce is being sold at such a high price.

Another shared the post, writing, “Private schools are looting India’s middle class. +₹1,000 for one English book. Government schools are crumbling. Middle-class kids will stay uneducated if this loot continues. What’s the point of @ncert if it can’t enforce affordable books? India won’t progress until education is truly affordable for all.”

“One textbook for Class 5 costs ₹1,035. The cost of printing this book is probably around ₹50-100. What kind of arbitrary pricing is this?? Are we making education out of reach for the less privileged??” reacted another.

Comparing the price to that of a MBBS book, a user shared, “I have my standard books of MBBS which are cheaper than this, may be school books like this have knowledge from the other planets.”

“There are lots of atrocities @ncert, schools in Gurgaon, they don’t subscribe to NCERT books will 8th std and give their own books and every year, they change the pattern so the new books gets sold every year. This is a bloody business model,” wrote another.

Cost Of Full Set Of Books

Reports suggest that the cost of the full set of books can go beyond Rs 8,000, adding significantly to the financial burden already posed by tuition fees.

Similar Incident In Gujarat

This is not an isolated case. Across several private schools, parents have raised concerns about expensive textbooks being prescribed with little transparency on pricing or selection. Earlier this month, a parent from Gujarat’s Ahmedabad shared the cost of books and notebooks for a Class 1 student.

The parent revealed that the study material which was purchased directly from the school, cost nearly Rs 4,000. They expressed that the amount would have been significantly lower if bought from the open market.

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