NCERT textbooks and reference books pile up fast. One academic year ends, and suddenly you’ve got ten to fifteen books you’ll never open again. They cost you thousands. Now they’re dead weight.
But they’re not worthless. Students starting the grade you just finished need exactly what you have. Parents would rather pay you ₹150 than ₹400 for a brand-new NCERT that contains identical content. Same goes for RD Sharma, HC Verma, Pradeep’s guides, and sample paper collections.
The market exists. The demand is real and predictable. You just need to understand when to sell, how much to charge, and where to list so the right buyers actually find you.
The Market for Academic Books Is Different
Selling a novel is one thing. Selling NCERT textbooks is another.
Novels depend on popularity, trends, and author recognition. Academic books depend on the curriculum. If Class 10 Maths NCERT is required by CBSE this year, it’ll be required next year too. Students will need it. That makes demand consistent and renewable.
Reference books follow the same logic. HC Verma doesn’t go out of style. RD Sharma doesn’t become obsolete overnight. These titles have been standard recommendations for years, and students preparing for boards or competitive exams actively search for secondhand copies.
What this means for you:
Academic books sell faster and hold value better than most other categories if you list them at the right time and price them reasonably.
Timing Is Everything (And Most Sellers Get It Wrong)
Here’s the mistake: finishing your Class 12 boards in March and listing your books in October.
By October, the new batch of Class 12 students already bought their books in June or July. Your listing sits there, competing with fifty other sellers, all trying to offload the same titles six months too late.
When to list:
Peak season is March through July. That’s when parents are shopping for the upcoming academic year. Students who finished exams in March are selling. Students starting the new grade in June are buying. The overlap creates the highest volume of transactions.
The secondary season is October through December – exam prep time. Students who already have textbooks start looking for sample papers, solved question banks, and revision guides. If you’re selling these specifically, this window works.
You can avoid listing:
- Late August through September (admission rush is over, most students are settled)
- January (too late for most buyers, too early for next year’s batch)
- Any time mid-academic year unless you’re selling highly specific exam prep material
If you just finished your exams, don’t wait. List within two to four weeks. Every week you delay, competition increases and prices drop.
Recommended Read: When to Buy and Sell Used Books Online for the Best Prices
What Actually Sells (And What Doesn’t)
Not all academic books are equal.
Strong sellers:
- NCERT textbooks for Classes 9-12 (especially Maths, Science, Social Science)
- Standard reference guides: RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal, HC Verma, Pradeep’s, Lakhmir Singh
- Sample papers and question banks: Oswaal, Arihant, Educart, MTG
- Books for board exam years (Class 10 and 12) sell faster than middle grades
Weak sellers:
- Supplementary readers with no exam relevance
- Outdated editions (check NCERT’s site to confirm your edition is current)
- Workbooks that are already filled in
- Books in languages with limited regional demand
- Heavily damaged books (torn pages, water damage, broken spines)
Before listing anything, confirm your edition matches what’s currently being taught. NCERT updates textbooks occasionally. If yours is outdated, mention it clearly or bundle it at a discount. Trying to pass off an old edition as current kills trust and generates complaints.
Recommended Read: Used NCERT Books – A Complete Guide
Pricing: Where Most Sellers Leave Money on the Table (Or Lose Sales)
Academic books typically sell for 30-50% of retail price depending on condition and demand.
Example:
NCERT Class 10 Maths costs ₹200 new.
- Like new condition: ₹100-120
- Very good (light use, minor notes): ₹80-100
- Good (visible wear, some highlighting): ₹60-80
- Acceptable (heavy use but readable): ₹40-60
Reference books hold slightly higher value because they’re more expensive to begin with.
HC Verma (₹700 new):
- Like new: ₹350-420
- Very good: ₹280-350
- Good: ₹210-280
Common pricing mistakes:
Overpricing based on what you paid
You spent ₹500. That doesn’t mean it’s worth ₹400 used. Check what others are selling for and price within that range.
Underpricing out of desperation
Listing a good-condition NCERT at ₹50 when everyone else charges ₹80-100 just means you’re giving away money. Buyers will pay fair value for quality books.
Ignoring condition when pricing
A heavily highlighted book isn’t worth the same as one with minimal markings. Adjust accordingly.
Research takes ten minutes. Check BookMandee and see what similar books in similar condition are listed for. Price competitively, not randomly.
Must-Use Tool: BookMandee Price Estimate Calculator
Bundles Move Faster Than Individual Books
Selling one NCERT at a time is tedious. Listing all your Class 11 books together as a set is efficient and appealing.
Students and parents prefer bundles because:
- It’s convenient (one purchase, all subjects covered)
- Shipping is consolidated (cheaper per book)
- Bundled pricing feels like a deal
Bundle ideas:
Complete class sets:
“Class 10 CBSE Full Set: Maths, Science, Social Science, English (all NCERT)” – ₹600
Subject + Reference combo:
“Class 12 Physics Bundle: NCERT + HC Verma + Sample Papers” – ₹450
Exam prep kits:
“Board Exam Prep: Class 10 Maths NCERT + RD Sharma + Oswaal Sample Papers” – ₹350
Offer bundles at 10-15% less than individual pricing. If three books separately cost ₹400, bundle them for ₹350. Buyers feel they’re saving money. You move inventory faster.
Writing Descriptions That Close Sales
Your description needs to answer the buyer’s immediate questions: Is this the right edition? What condition is it in? How much will it cost me?
What to include:
- Full title, class, and subject – NCERT Mathematics Textbook, Class 10, CBSE
- Edition and year – 2023 edition” or “Latest edition as per current syllabus
- Condition specifics – Not ‘good condition’. Tell them what that means, like ‘Very good condition. Light pencil underlines in 4-5 chapters (easily erasable), no pen or highlighter. Binding tight, all pages intact, minor edge yellowing.’
- Why you’re selling – ‘Finished Class 10 boards and no longer need this’.
Example:
“Selling RD Sharma Class 12 Mathematics (2023 edition, both volumes). Used for CBSE board preparation. Very good condition—minimal pencil marks in a few exercises, no highlighting or pen. Binding is solid, all pages present and readable. Clearing out after finishing boards. ₹400 for both volumes (₹900 new). Open to slight negotiation for serious buyers. Shipping anywhere in India or local pickup in Bangalore (Indiranagar). Payment via UPI preferred.”
Clear, factual, and complete. Buyers trust this. They don’t trust vague two-line descriptions.
Where to List
BookMandee
Built for selling used books directly to buyers. No middlemen, no fees. Students actively searching for secondhand academic books are already here. List your NCERT and reference books with clear photos and descriptions, and they’ll find you.
WhatsApp and Telegram Groups
Many schools, coaching centres, and localities have groups where students trade books. Fast-moving, low-effort, hyperlocal.
What If Books Don’t Sell?
Not every book moves quickly. When that happens:
Lower the price
If a book hasn’t sold in two weeks, drop the price by 10-15%. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Bundle it with better books
A slow-moving supplementary text might sell when paired with a high-demand NCERT.
Donate it
Libraries, schools, NGOs, and students from lower-income backgrounds need books. Donate through BookMandee or directly to local organizations. You clear space and help someone who can’t afford new books.
Hold it for next year
If the edition is still current, store it and list again during the next peak season.
Don’t let unsold books stress you. Some move fast, others don’t. That’s normal.
Quick Recap
✔ List during peak season (March-July for textbooks, October-December for exam prep)
✔ Confirm your edition is current before listing
✔ Price at 30-50% of retail based on condition
✔ Bundle related books to increase appeal and move inventory faster
✔ Write complete descriptions with class, subject, edition, and specific condition details
✔ Use multiple platforms to reach more buyers
✔ Respond quickly to inquiries and negotiate reasonably
✔ Ship promptly and pack securely
Your old NCERT and reference books have value. Students need them. Parents want affordable options. Connect the two, and you’ll turn that shelf of unused books into money you can actually spend.