Quick Answer: Buy used school books directly from students and parents using BookMandee, where NCERT textbooks, CBSE/ICSE books, and reference guides sell at 40-60% of retail with zero middleman commissions.
Search by class, board, and subject, verify edition, inspect condition through description, and purchase directly from sellers who used these exact books. The best buying window is February-July when students sell post-exams and new batches need materials. Save ₹2,000-5,000 per child annually vs. buying new.
School books are expensive. Every academic year, the bill arrives: NCERT textbooks, reference guides, workbooks, sample papers, optional readers. For one child in Class 10, you’re looking at ₹3,000-5,000. Multiple children? The costs multiply fast.
Then there’s the frustration: these books are used for one year. Your child writes in them, highlights passages, dog-ears pages. Next year, they’re outdated – new class, new books, same expense cycle. The books sit on shelves, no longer needed, representing hundreds or thousands of rupees that served their purpose and now gather dust.
Here’s what most parents don’t realize: there’s a parallel economy of school books where parents buy directly from families whose children just finished that grade. No bookstore markups. No middleman commissions. Just peer-to-peer transactions at 40-60% of retail prices.
Let us show you exactly how to buy used school books online – where to search, how to verify editions, what to check for condition, when to buy for best prices, and how BookMandee can connect you directly with the sellers.
Why Buying Direct Saves Money and Makes Sense
Understanding the economics clarifies why peer-to-peer beats traditional channels.
The Middleman Markup Problem
Traditional used book stores:
Buy from students at 20-30% of retail → Resell at 50-60% of retail = 25-30% margin retained by store
Your cost: 50-60% of retail
Student earned: 20-30% of retail
Middleman kept: 25-30% difference
Example:
- ₹200 NCERT book
- Store buys from student: ₹50
- Store sells to you: ₹120
- Middleman profit: ₹70
Peer-to-peer (BookMandee):
Student sells directly to you at 40-50% of retail = Zero middleman margin
- Your cost: 40-50% of retail (₹80-100)
- Student earned: 40-50% of retail (₹80-100)
- Middleman kept: ₹0
Your savings: ₹20-40 per book vs. store
Student’s benefit: ₹30-50 more per book vs. selling to store
Both parties win.
Recommended Read: Used School Books See a 40% Demand Jump Before New Sessions
Why Used School Books Are Perfect for Direct Buying
Standardized products
NCERT Class 10 Maths is identical whether you buy new, from a store, or from another family. Content doesn’t change based on who owned it first.
Short usage period
Used for one academic year, then outgrown. Books remain in usable condition because usage is time-limited.
Predictable demand
Every year, a new batch of Class 6 students needs Class 6 books. Every year, previous Class 6 finishers are done with those books. Supply and demand are renewable and continuous.
Edition stability
NCERT and major publishers update textbooks infrequently (3-5 year cycles). Books from 2-3 years ago are usually still current.
High original cost
Individual books cost ₹150-400. Complete sets cost ₹3,000-5,000. Savings of 50% represent significant household budget relief.
Which School Books You Can Buy Used?
Almost every school book has a thriving secondhand market.
High-Value Used Book Categories
NCERT Textbooks (Classes 1-12):
Core curriculum for CBSE and many state boards. Always in demand.
- Typical retail: ₹150-350 per book
- Used price range: ₹60-180 (40-50% of retail)
- Annual savings for full set: ₹1,200-2,000
CBSE Reference Guides:
RD Sharma (Maths), Pradeep’s (Science), Together With series, Xam Idea, Oswaal
- Typical retail: ₹400-700 per guide
- Used price range: ₹150-350 (40-50% of retail)
- Why buy used: Content is practice-focused; previous markings can often be erased or ignored
ICSE Textbooks and Guides:
Selina Publishers, Concise series, Total English
- Typical retail: ₹350-600 per book
- Used price range: ₹140-300 (40-50% of retail)
State Board Books:
Regional language textbooks, state-specific curricula
- Typical retail: ₹100-300 per book
- Used price range: ₹40-150 (40-50% of retail)
- Challenge: Smaller market than CBSE/ICSE but growing on peer-to-peer platforms
Sample Papers and Question Banks:
Previous years’ questions, practice sets, mock tests
- Typical retail: ₹200-400
- Used price range: ₹60-150 (30-40% of retail if unmarked, 20-30% if marked)
- Key consideration: Unmarked copies are far more valuable
English Literature and Readers:
Novels, poetry collections, supplementary readers prescribed by boards
- Typical retail: ₹150-350
- Used price range: ₹50-150 (30-45% of retail)
Books Better Bought New
Workbooks requiring writing
If pages must be filled in and can’t be photocopied or downloaded, used copies have no value.
Activity books with tear-out pages
Once removed, books are incomplete.
Current affairs and yearly compilations
These date quickly. Last year’s current affairs are of limited use.
When to Buy: Timing for Best Prices and Availability
School book markets have distinct seasonal patterns.
The Academic Year Selling Cycle
| Period | What’s Happening | Buying Strategy |
| February-March | Students finishing academic year, exams ending | BEST TIME TO BUY – Maximum inventory as students offload books, prices lowest due to supply surge |
| April-June | New academic year starting, parents stocking up | Good availability, prices moderate (sellers know demand is high) |
| July-August | Academic year underway, urgent buyers seeking missed books | Declining inventory, prices firm (less competition among sellers) |
| September-December | Mid-year, low activity | Minimal new listings, prices stable but little choice |
| January | Preparation for exams, some students buying additional references | Moderate activity for reference books and guides |
Strategic Buying Timeline
For maximum savings (planning ahead):
- March: Buy next year’s books when current students are selling post-exams.
- Savings: 50-60% off retail (supply peak)
- Trade-off: You’re buying 3-4 months before need, requires storage
For good balance (normal planning):
- May-June: Buy during summer before the new academic year starts.
- Savings: 40-50% off retail (good supply, moderate demand)
- Trade-off: Standard approach, comfortable timeline
For urgent needs (late or missed books):
- July-August: Buy when the academic year has started.
- Savings: 35-45% off retail (lower supply, you have less negotiation power)
- Trade-off: Limited selection, might not find all titles
Pro tip: Buy popular core subjects (Maths, Science, English) in March-April when supply peaks. Buy optional subjects or supplementary books in May-June if selection was limited earlier.
Also Read: When to Buy and Sell Used Books Online for the Best Prices
How to Find School Books on BookMandee?
The platform’s structure makes finding specific grade-level books straightforward.
Search Method 1: Class + Subject + Board
Most precise search:
Class [Number] [Subject] [Board]
Examples:
- Class 10 Mathematics CBSE
- Class 7 Science NCERT
- Class 12 English ICSE
Search Method 2: Publisher + Class
For NCERT specifically:
NCERT Class [Number] or NCERT [Subject] [Class]
Examples:
- NCERT Class 8
- NCERT Science Class 9
Result: All NCERT books for that class/subject appear.
Search Method 3: Reference Guide Name
For popular guides:
RD Sharma Class [Number] or Pradeep Science Class [Number]
Examples:
- RD Sharma Class 11
- Oswaal Sample Papers Class 10
Search Method 4: Complete Sets
Looking for all books at once:
Class [Number] Complete Set [Board] or Class [Number] All Books
Examples:
- Class 10 CBSE Complete Set
- Class 6 All NCERT Books
Why: Parents selling entire grade-level collections often bundle them. You get everything in one transaction at bulk discount.
Using Filters Effectively
Category filter: Academic Books → School Textbooks → Book Name
Location filter:
For local pickup of heavy book sets (saves shipping costs)
Verifying Edition and Curriculum Alignment
Wrong edition = wasted money. Verification is critical.
Step 1: Check Official Curriculum
Before buying ANY textbook:
Visit official board website:
- CBSE: cbse.gov.in → Curriculum → Books
- ICSE/ISC: cisce.org → Curriculum
- State boards: Respective state education department sites
Verify:
- Which NCERT edition is current for that class/subject
- Whether reference guides are recommended
- If any syllabus changes have occurred recently
Why crucial: Buying 2019 edition when 2023 edition is now required = complete waste.
Step 2: Verify from Seller Listing
Check listing for:
- Publication year clearly stated: ‘2023 edition or ‘Published 2022’
Red flags:
- No edition information provided
- The seller can’t answer ‘Which year is this edition?’
Action: Message seller: “Can you confirm this is the [year] edition and share a photo of the copyright page?”
Step 3: Confirm with School/Teachers
Ask your child’s teacher or school:
“We’re buying used books. Can you confirm Class [X] [Subject] still uses [Publisher] [Year] edition, or has the book changed?”
Most schools provide book lists before the session starts. Use this as your buying checklist.
Step 4: Check for Syllabus Updates
NCERT and major publishers announce updates publicly.
Google: “NCERT Class [X] [Subject] new edition [current year]”
- If a recent update exists: Only buy the new edition.
- If no recent update: Previous 2-3 years’ editions are usually fine.
Example:
Class 10 Science NCERT last updated in 2022. Books from 2022-2024 are all current. Books from 2019-2021 might have minor content differences.
Evaluating Condition for School Books
School books endure heavy use. Knowing what’s acceptable prevents disappointment.
Condition Standards by Grade Level
Primary (Classes 1-5):
- Acceptable: Books show significant use (crayon marks, dog-ears, some torn pages) but all text is readable and pages are intact.
Why: Young children are hard on books. Cosmetic damage is expected.
Price expectation: 30-40% of retail for “Good” condition
Middle School (Classes 6-8):
- Acceptable: Moderate use (highlighting, underlining, spine creases) but structurally sound.
Why: Students start using books more intensively but still learning care.
Price expectation: 35-45% of retail for “Good” to “Very Good”
Secondary/Senior (Classes 9-12):
- Preferred: Very Good condition (minimal markings, tight binding) because these books need to last through board exam preparation.
Why: Students refer back to these books extensively, especially in Classes 10 and 12.
Price expectation: 40-50% of retail for “Very Good,” 30-40% for “Good”
Questions to Ask Sellers
“Are there any torn pages or missing pages?”
“How much writing or highlighting is inside?”
“Is the binding tight, or do pages come loose?”
“Can you show photos of a few random interior pages via messaging apps?”
Recommended Read: How BookMandee Works
Why is BookMandee Ideal for School Book Buying?
Generic marketplaces struggle with school books. BookMandee solves their fundamental problems.
Problem 1: Searchability (Solved by BookMandee)
On generic platforms:
Search “Class 10 Science” returns:
- Science kits
- Tuition centers named “Class 10 Science Academy”
- Random items from sellers in “Class” location
- Maybe a few actual books buried in irrelevant results
On BookMandee:
Search “Class 10 Science” returns:
- NCERT Class 10 Science textbooks
- Reference guides for Class 10 Science
- Sample papers for Class 10 Science
- Related books (lab manuals, activity books)
Why: Platform is built for book-specific metadata (class, subject, board, publisher).
Problem 2: Seller Quality (Solved by Community)
On generic platforms:
Mix of:
- Professional resellers (higher prices)
- Random sellers who might not respond
- Scammers with fake listings
On BookMandee:
Community of:
- Parents whose kids finished that grade
- Students who just completed exams
- Families who understand school book needs
- Active book enthusiasts who respond to messages
Result: Higher trust, better communication, shared understanding of urgency (school starts soon).
Problem 3: Edition Verification (Solved by Details)
On generic platforms:
Listings often lack:
- Edition year
- Publisher information
Buyers don’t know if they’re getting the current edition.
On BookMandee:
Book-focused sellers provide:
- Edition details in title/description
- Publisher and year clearly stated
- Response to edition-specific questions
Result: You can verify currency before buying.
Problem 4: No Middleman Costs (Solved by Direct Sales)
On commission-based platforms:
Sellers factor in 15-20% platform fees → You pay higher prices
On BookMandee:
Zero commission → Sellers price 15-20% lower while earning same amount → You save money
Example:
A student wants ₹200 net for their books.
Platform with 20% fee: Lists at ₹250 (you pay ₹250)
BookMandee with 0% fee: Lists at ₹200 (you pay ₹200, save ₹50)
Complete vs. Individual Book Purchases
Strategic choice between buying sets or individual titles.
When to Buy Complete Sets
Advantages:
- Cost savings: Bundled discounts (15-20% less than individual totals)
- Convenience: One transaction, one shipping, one seller relationship
- Compatibility: All books from same curriculum year
Best for:
- Starting new grade level (need all core subjects)
- Families organized ahead of time (buying in March-April)
- Avoiding last-minute bookstore rushes
What complete sets typically include:
- Class 6-8 CBSE Set: 6-8 books (Hindi, English, Maths, Science, Social Science, optional third language)
- Class 9-10 CBSE Set: 6-8 books (core subjects + optional)
- Class 11-12 CBSE Set: 5-6 books (stream-specific: Science/Commerce/Humanities)
Pricing:
Individual total: ₹2,400
Bundle: ₹1,800-2,000 (15-25% discount)
When to Buy Individual Books
Better choice when:
- You only need 1-2 specific books (child lost one, school added late requirement)
- Complete sets available don’t match your exact needs (different optional subjects)
- You already have some books (previous sibling’s books still usable)
Multi-Child Families: Strategic Buying of Used School Books
If you have multiple children, optimization pays off significantly.
Strategy 1: Buy in Advance for Younger Siblings
When oldest child finishes Class 6:
Keep books in good storage. Younger siblings will need the same books in 2-3 years.
- Savings: Zero cost for second child (books already owned)
- Challenge: Syllabus might change in 3-5 years. Weigh storage vs. re-buying risk.
Strategy 2: Buy Once, Sell After Last Child
For families with 2-3 children:
Buy used Class 6 books for ₹1,200. Child 1 uses them. Child 2 uses them. Child 3 uses them. Sell used for ₹400 after all was done.
- Net cost: ₹800 for three children’s worth of books vs. ₹2,400 buying new for each (₹7,200 total)
- Savings: ₹6,400 over multiple children
Strategy 3: Coordinate with Other Families
School parent groups (WhatsApp, etc.):
Organize book exchanges or sales within the school community.
“Our child finished Class 4. Selling complete NCERT set ₹800. Anyone in our school interested?”
Advantages:
- Local pickup (no shipping)
- Trust (same school community)
- Curriculum alignment guaranteed (same school = same books)
- Fast transactions (meet at school gates)
What About Digital and Photocopied Books?
The legal and practical considerations.
NCERT Digital Books (Free and Legal)
NCERT provides free PDFs of all textbooks: ncert.nic.in → Publication → PDF Download
Use cases:
- Backup if physical book lost
- Searching for specific topics (Ctrl+F)
- Tablet/laptop reading for tech-comfortable students
Limitations:
- Annotations and note-taking harder than physical books
- Screen fatigue for extended reading
- Not all students learn effectively from screens
Photocopied Books (Legally Questionable)
Reality: Some students photocopy textbooks to save money.
Legal issues:
- Copyright violation
- Publishers lose revenue that funds education content development
Practical issues:
- Poor quality (faded text, unclear diagrams)
- Spiral binding doesn’t last
- Ineffective substitute for actual books
Better alternative: Buy used original books at 40-50% retail. Legal, higher quality, supports original publishers (through initial purchase), and comparable cost to photocopying.
FAQs
Is it safe to buy used school books online from strangers?
BookMandee’s community of parents and students can create accountability. Start with smaller purchases to build comfort.
How do I know the books are current editions?
Always ask for photos and verify publication year against your school’s book list or official board curriculum. Check NCERT/CBSE websites for current edition information.
Can I buy international board books (IB, Cambridge) used?
Yes, though the market is smaller than CBSE/ICSE. Search specifically: “IB [Subject] [Level]” or “Cambridge [Subject] O-Levels”. May take longer to find due to lower supply.
Should I buy used workbooks?
Only if unmarked/unanswered. Workbooks meant to be written in have no resale value once filled. Most sellers specify “workbook unused” if selling.
When’s the absolute latest I can buy used books?
June-July, but selection is limited and prices less flexible. Ideal is March-May for best inventory and prices.
Can I sell my child’s books after they finish the year?
Absolutely. List on BookMandee immediately after exams (February-March) for maximum demand and best prices. Create a cycle: sell old books to fund buying next year’s books.
What if I buy books and then my child’s school changes the textbook?
Rare but possible. Confirm book list from school in May before purchasing. If school changes books mid-year, you can usually resell the unused book at a slight loss or donate it.
Must Read: Best Books for Class 10 Board Exams (New + Used)
Complete Buying Checklist
Before buying used school books online:
✅ Verified this is the current edition (copyright page photo checked)
✅ Confirmed edition matches school’s book list
✅ Inspected condition through multiple photos
✅ Asked seller specific condition questions
✅ Calculated total cost (book + shipping)
✅ Compared prices across 2-3 listings
✅ Checked seller responsiveness and credibility
✅ Confirmed payment method is secure
✅ Agreed on delivery timeline
✅ Saved listing/communication for reference
If all boxes are checked, proceed with confidence.
School book expenses are unavoidable, but overpaying for new books every year is not. Buying used school books directly from families eliminates middleman markups, saves 50-70% per academic year, and puts quality educational materials in your child’s hands at prices that don’t strain household budgets.
BookMandee makes peer-to-peer school book buying simple, safe, and efficient by connecting parent-to-parent, student-to-parent, and family-to-family. Search by class and subject, verify editions, compare prices transparently, and complete transactions directly – no bookstore markups, no commission fees, no intermediaries keeping a cut.
Start searching early (March-May), buy complete sets when possible for maximum savings, verify editions carefully, and inspect conditions. The books your child needs are already in another family’s collection, waiting to serve the next student. Find them on BookMandee and keep more money in your pocket for the hundred other expenses that come with raising educated children.