Shaping the Future of Educational Publishing In India

The Federation of Educational Publishers in India (FEPI) was established as the apex body representing educational publishers across the country. Its mission is to ensure that educational publishing remains learner-centric, commercially viable, and aligned with national policies. FEPI serves as a bridge between the publishing industry and government bodies, providing structured feedback on curriculum reforms, procurement policies, and regulatory frameworks.

From Content to Comprehensive Learning Solutions: FEPI’s Vision
– Gopal Sharma – President, FEPI

Gopal Sharma is the Director of Souvenir Publishers, a company founded in 1972 by late Shri O.P. Shastri. With over two decades of experience in educational publishing, Sharma has significantly contributed to modernising the sector, integrating digital learning, and promoting innovation and regional language content.

AABP: As the apex body representing educational publishers in India, how does FEPI define its role in shaping the present and future of the publishing ecosystem?

GS: FEPI views its role as that of a bridge, connecting publishers, policymakers, and educators within the education ecosystem. As an apex body, FEPI actively advocates for fair policies, ethical trade practices, and sustainable growth while supporting innovation and quality enhancement. Our objective is to ensure that educational publishing remains learner-centric, policy-aligned, and commercially viable in a rapidly evolving environment.

AABP: What priorities is FEPI currently focusing on to support publishers amid rapid technological and policy-driven change?

GS: FEPI’s key priorities include policy advocacy aligned with NEP 2020, capacity-building for publishers to adopt technology responsibly, protection of intellectual property, and ensuring a level playing field between traditional publishers and emerging digital players. We are also focused on promoting transparency in publisher–bookseller relationships and helping members adapt to hybrid print-digital models.

AABP: How does FEPI engage with the government and regulatory bodies to represent publishers’ concerns and expectations?

GS: FEPI regularly engages with central and state government bodies, NCERT, SCERTs, and other regulatory authorities through representations, consultations, and formal submissions. We provide structured feedback on draft policies, curriculum reforms, and procurement practices to ensure publishers’ perspectives are factored into decision-making processes.

AABP: What are the most significant trends currently transforming educational publishing in India?

AABP: Some of the most significant trends include curriculum realignment under NEP 2020, increased digitization of learning resources, demand for competency-based and experiential learning content, and the growing integration of assessment tools and teacher support materials alongside textbooks.

SD: How has technology changed the role of educational publishers from content creators to learning solution providers?

GS: Technology has expanded the publisher’s role beyond content creation to offering comprehensive learning solutions. Publishers are now developing blended resources that include textbooks, digital content, assessments, analytics, and teacher training support, creating integrated ecosystems rather than standalone products.

From Chalkboards to Chatbots: FEPI Charts the Path for Modern Learning
Rajesh Gupta – General Secretary, FEPI

Rajesh Gupta is the Co-Director of Millennium Booksource Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s most trusted educational publishers serving over 2,000 schools nationwide. With more than 25 years of experience, he brings first-hand classroom insights into content development, ensuring high-quality, curriculum-aligned resources that support child-centric learning.

AABP: In a market where digitization is widespread, what constitutes meaningful innovation in educational publishing?

RG: Meaningful innovation lies not merely in digitizing content but in enhancing learning outcomes. Solutions that support differentiated learning, teacher empowerment, measurable assessment, and conceptual clarity, while remaining accessible and affordable, actually constitute true innovation.

AABP: How prepared are Indian educational publishers to adopt AI, data analytics, and adaptive learning tools responsibly?

RG: Indian educational publishers are increasingly aware of the potential of AI and data analytics, though adoption remains cautious and responsible. FEPI encourages ethical use of technology, data privacy compliance, and alignment with pedagogical objectives rather than technology-led disruption alone.

AABP: What role do Learning Management Systems play in enhancing pedagogy, assessment, and teacher support?

RG: Learning Management Systems act as enablers by facilitating structured lesson delivery, continuous assessment, and real-time feedback. For teachers, LMS platforms provide valuable support through ready-to-use resources, performance tracking, and professional development tools.

AABP: How can publishers ensure that technology strengthens conceptual understanding rather than overshadowing core learning outcomes?

RG: Publishers must ensure that technology remains a tool, not a substitute for sound pedagogy. Content should be curriculum-aligned, concept-driven, and age-appropriate, with technology used to reinforce understanding through visualization, practice, and feedback rather than distraction.

AABP: How has the National Education Policy 2020 reshaped expectations from educational publishers?

RG: NEP 2020 has significantly reshaped expectations by emphasizing competency-based learning, multidisciplinary approaches, experiential pedagogy, and regional relevance. Publishers face challenges in aligning content across diverse boards and states while maintaining consistency, quality, and timely delivery.

From Textbooks to Technology: Making Education Accessible for All 
Rajiv Goyal – Treasurer, FEPI

Rajiv Goyal is the Co-Founder and Director of Jay Cee Publications Pvt. Ltd., a leading educational publishing company with a legacy built on quality content, strong values, and trusted relationships with institutions across India and abroad.

AABP: With NEP’s emphasis on regional and mother-tongue education, how is FEPI guiding publishers towards scalable, high-quality localized content?

RG: FEPI encourages collaboration, resource sharing, and best practices among publishers to develop high-quality regional and mother-tongue content. We advocate for scalable translation frameworks, contextual adaptation, and academic validation to ensure quality is not compromised.

AABP: Despite the growth of EdTech, access to digital learning remains uneven. What role can publishers play in bridging this digital divide?

RG: Publishers play a crucial role by offering affordable hybrid solutions that combine print with low-bandwidth digital resources. By designing inclusive products and working closely with schools and educators, publishers can helpbridge the digital divide without excluding underserved learners.

AABP: Which emerging business models do you see as sustainable for the industry?

RG: A balanced mix of bundled print-digital offerings, subscription-based resources for institutions, and platform-supported solutions appears sustainable. However, long-term viability depends on fair pricing, respect for copyright, and equitable competition.

AABP: How can small and mid-sized publishers remain competitive while investing in technology and innovation?

RG: Collaboration, phased technology adoption, outsourcing non-core tech functions, and focusing on niche strengths can help small and mid-sized publishers remain competitive. FEPI actively supports such publishers through guidance, advocacy, and shared learning platforms.

AABP: Looking ahead to the next five years, what is FEPI’s vision for educational publishing in India?

RG: FEPI envisions an educational publishing sector that is innovative, inclusive, policy-aligned, and globally competitive. Progress will be reflected in improved learning outcomes, stronger publisher–educator partnerships, ethical use of technology, and a sustainable ecosystem that values quality content and intellectual property.

Conclusion

India’s educational publishing is embracing a future where innovation, technology, and inclusivity go hand in hand. By bridging print and digital, promoting regional and accessible content, and focusing on meaningful learning outcomes, publishers are not just delivering books, they are shaping a more effective, equitable, and dynamic education ecosystem for the country.