Higher education textbooks in high demand

Though admissions to Engineering, Arts, Science, and Polytechnic courses should have commenced in June, the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the State has made it impossible for the authorities to initiate them before September. A senior official from the Higher Education Department told DT Next that even if normalcy is restored by August, the students will be losing almost half of the academic year this year since the new admission process takes about three months.

 “As syllabus has not been curtailed for college students, especially in the case of freshers, there is a high demand for higher education textbooks with students keen on making up for the academic loss. Especially since they are not getting any online classes unlike those who are already in school or college,” he said.

 Echoing similar views, P Velmurugan, a book shop retailer in the city, said: “Once the latest lockdown was relaxed, a large number of students who completed Class 12 started purchasing books of their course choice.” 

“Some students, who are eyeing engineering admission, even purchase textbooks for two courses,” he said adding the surge in the purchase is also attributed to the closure of libraries where students usually refer textbooks for higher studies during the summer holidays. He also pointed out that many students, who are not economically well off, are also searching for second-hand books. “Since July 1, the sales of textbooks has doubled,” he claimed.

 K Manikkam, a stationery and textbook shop owner in Pammal, also said that due to lockdown and several transport restrictions, textbooks could not be delivered by the publishers. “We are making efforts to go directly and purchase for our shops to cater to the students’ needs,” he said.

 “We don’t have online classes like what was organised for school students or those who are already in college. We do not have any idea as to when the admission process will start. With no indication of whether our syllabus will be curtailed or not, we need to be prepared with the initial portions in the textbooks as there won’t be much time before the exams commence,” said S Naresh of Nanganallur, an engineering aspirant.

 He said even his schoolmates who wanted to pursue Commerce in Arts colleges have purchased textbooks. “With textbooks in hand, it will be easy to go through e-learning modules available in various portals,” he added.

 B Vedhavalli, another student, who wanted to take up Economics, said she had already purchased textbooks, which helped her to make use of lockdown time. “The company of textbooks gives me a secure feeling. I clarify doubts with some of the senior friends,” she added.