Punjab Colleges Face Class 11 and 12 Textbook Shortage Before Reopening
Punjab Colleges Face Class 11 and 12
Punjab Colleges Face Class 11 and 12 Punjab’s students and parents are facing uncertainty over the availability of Class 11 and 12 textbooks as higher secondary schools and colleges prepare to reopen on August 24, 2026. With only a few days left before the new academic session begins, several important textbooks are still difficult to find in the market.
The situation has become a concern for families who want their children to start classes with complete books. According to available information, the issue is mainly linked to the limited number of textbooks initially supplied to the market, while demand from students remains high.
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Punjab Students Face Textbook Problems Before New Academic Session
The shortage has appeared at a sensitive time because students are preparing to begin their new academic session. Parents usually try to purchase complete sets of textbooks before classes start, but many are reportedly finding that some books are not available at local bookshops.
For students entering Class 11, the availability of textbooks is particularly important because they are beginning a new level of education. Class 12 students also need their books on time as they move into an important academic year.
The current situation can be understood through the following points:
- Higher secondary institutions are scheduled to reopen on August 24.
- Demand for Class 11 and 12 textbooks remains high.
- Some textbooks are difficult to find in the market.
- Class 12 books are reportedly facing greater availability problems.
- Authorities are working to increase the supply before reopening.
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Why Are Class 11 and 12 Textbooks in Short Supply?
The main reason behind the shortage is the limited initial allocation of textbooks to the market. Sources said publishers were initially allocated books equivalent to only around 30% of the total market demand.
This meant that the number of books reaching booksellers was much lower than the number required by students. As families started preparing for the new session, the available stock began moving quickly from shops.
The situation became more noticeable because students across Punjab need textbooks at roughly the same time. When supply is limited during such a period, even a normal increase in demand can quickly result in empty shelves.
| Textbook Supply Situation | Current Position |
|---|---|
| Initial allocation | Around 30% of market demand |
| Allocated stock already sold | Around 30% |
| Additional allocation | Being provided according to demand |
| Printing of required books | Currently underway |
| Expected arrival of new stock | Within 1–2 days |
Available Textbooks Are Not Enough to Meet Demand
A portion of the initially allocated stock has already been sold. Around 30% of the allocated stock has reportedly reached students, leaving several other textbooks difficult to purchase.
For parents, the problem is not simply finding a bookshop. In many cases, they may visit different shops and still fail to find the complete set required for their child. This can be frustrating, especially when the start of classes is only days away.
The shortage also creates an uneven situation. Some students may manage to purchase most of their books, while others may have to wait for new stock to arrive.
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Class 11 and Class 12 Books Have Different Availability
The current market situation is not the same for both classes. Booksellers have reported that some Class 11 textbooks are now available, although the supply is still not considered sufficient.
The situation for Class 12 textbooks is more concerning. According to booksellers, these books are currently not available in the market. This means students may have to wait for the next supply to arrive before they can purchase their complete set.
For a student starting a new academic year, even a short delay can create difficulties in following lessons from the beginning. This is why parents are closely watching the latest developments in textbook supply.
Publishers Receive Additional Books According to Market Demand
To improve the situation, publishers have now been given additional textbook allocations according to market demand. The move is intended to increase the number of books reaching shops before educational institutions reopen.
This additional allocation could provide some relief to parents and students. However, the important question is how quickly the newly allocated books can be printed, supplied and delivered to local markets.
The process involves more than simply allocating books. Textbooks must reach publishers, printing must be completed and the finished copies must then be distributed through the market network.
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Education Department Says Printing Is Underway
The Punjab Education Department has said that printing of the required textbooks is currently in progress. Officials expect the books to reach the market within one to two days.
This timeline is important because the reopening date is very close. If the printing and distribution process moves according to the department’s plan, students should be able to purchase the remaining textbooks before classes begin.
For parents, the next few days will therefore be important. The real improvement will be visible when the newly printed books start appearing at local bookshops across different areas of Punjab.
Government Promises 100% Textbook Availability by August 24
Punjab Education Department officials have assured parents that 100% of the required textbooks will be available in the market by August 24, when educational institutions are scheduled to reopen.
This assurance is aimed at reducing concerns among families. Having complete textbooks from the start of the academic session is important because students can follow classroom teaching properly without waiting for individual books.
However, the short deadline means that printing and distribution will need to happen quickly. The promise of complete availability will ultimately depend on whether the books reach markets across Punjab on time.
Parents and Students Remain Concerned
Despite the government’s assurance, parents and students are still concerned because only a few days remain before colleges and higher secondary institutions reopen.
For many Pakistani families, buying textbooks is an important part of preparing for a new academic year. Parents want their children to attend the first day of classes fully prepared rather than spending the initial weeks searching for missing books.
Students are also worried about falling behind if teachers begin lessons while some textbooks remain unavailable. This is particularly important for Class 12 students, who are moving through an academically significant year.
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What Students Can Do Before August 24
Students do not necessarily need to wait until the first day of classes to start preparing. Parents can keep checking local bookshops during the next few days because additional stock is expected to enter the market.
It is also useful to identify which books are already available and which ones are still missing. This can help families avoid repeatedly searching for the same textbooks.
Students can follow these simple steps:
- Purchase the textbooks that are already available.
- Ask local booksellers about expected new stock.
- Keep a list of missing Class 11 or Class 12 books.
- Check bookshops again after the new supply reaches the market.
- Begin preparing for classes with the books already purchased.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
The textbook situation is expected to become clearer as additional supplies reach the market. With printing already underway and extra allocation being provided according to demand, the availability of books could improve quickly.
The key deadline remains August 24, 2026. By that date, the Education Department has said that the required textbooks will be available in the market.
For students and parents, the focus now is on actual availability rather than announcements. If the newly printed books reach booksellers within the promised timeframe, much of the current concern could be resolved before classes begin.
Conclusion
The shortage of Class 11 and 12 textbooks in Punjab has created concern among students and parents just before the reopening of higher secondary institutions. The initial supply was significantly lower than market demand, resulting in difficulties for families trying to purchase complete sets of books.
The Punjab Education Department has said that printing is underway and additional textbooks are being supplied according to demand. Officials have also assured parents that 100% of the required books will be available by August 24
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