The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has directed all Islamabad model schools and colleges to establish book banks from the academic year 2026–27, in a bid to make education more affordable and efficient.
Under the initiative, free textbooks provided by the government will be collected back at the end of each academic year and redistributed to new students. The system is expected to ease recurring textbook shortages while significantly reducing the financial burden on parents.
According to the directive, students must return their books in good condition before their final exam results are issued. Schools will prepare standard procedures for collection and categorization, while Area Education Officers will supervise the process to ensure transparency and accountability.
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Officials said the move will not only help families cut costs but also encourage students to take better care of their books. By reducing the need for large-scale printing each year, the initiative also promotes environmental sustainability.
“The book bank system will save resources, instill responsibility, and ensure that every child has timely access to textbooks,” an FDE spokesperson stated.
The notification, issued with the approval of the Director (Academics & Quality Assurance) and signed by Assistant Director (Academics) Abid Ali Khan, marks an important step in the government’s broader education reform agenda. Authorities believe the policy will build a culture of knowledge-sharing while strengthening efficiency in Islamabad’s schools and colleges.