Gyan Post — India Post’s Affordable Book & Educational Material Delivery (Complete Guide)

Published: September 27, 2025 • PostalPrep Academy

Quick summary: Gyan Post is a new India Post product launched on 1 May 2025 that enables low-cost, trackable delivery of non-commercial printed educational, cultural and religious materials across India. It offers highly concessional rates (from ₹20 up to ₹100 depending on weight). This service aligns with the New Education Policy’s aim to improve access to learning resources.

Key sources: official India Post/PIB press releases and India Post SOP.

Why Gyan Post matters

Access to printed study material is still critical for millions of students and readers across India — especially in rural and remote areas where digital access is limited. Gyan Post is designed to make shipping books affordable and reliable so students, libraries, training centres and small publishers can send learning material with minimal cost and full tracking.

Launch date & availability

Gyan Post became operational on 1 May 2025 and is available at Departmental Post Offices across India.

Gyan Post pricing (simple breakdown)

The service offers highly subsidised rates to keep costs low for senders. Typical published rates are:

• Packets up to 300 grams — ₹20 (excluding taxes).
• Packets up to 5 kilograms — up to ₹100 (excluding taxes).

These rates are intended to be much lower than standard commercial shipping and Book Post equivalents, and they help reduce the price barrier on sending multiple books.

Eligible items — what you can and cannot send

Allowed: Non-commercial printed educational material — textbooks for recognised courses, study guides, examination preparation books, academic journals (subject to rules), and social/cultural/religious printed literature. Each item must carry the name of the printer or publisher.

Not allowed: Commercial publications with advertising, promotional or marketing content not incidental to the book’s purpose. Business magazines or ad-heavy prints are excluded.

Services & features

• Track & trace: All Gyan Post items are trackable through India Post’s tracking portal.
• Surface transport: To keep the cost low, parcels typically move via surface transport (road/rail).
• Proof of posting: Standard proof/receipt provided at the post office at time of booking.

These features improve transparency and make Gyan Post suitable for educational institutes and publishers sending course material at scale.

How to send a parcel via Gyan Post (step-by-step)

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure the book or printed material is non-commercial and has the printer/publisher name.
2. Pack securely: Use strong packaging; include a clear invoice/packing slip and publisher details inside the parcel.
3. Visit your Departmental Post Office: Ask for the Gyan Post booking counter/service.
4. Fill booking form: Provide sender/recipient details, weight, and destination pin code.
5. Pay the concessional rate: Based on the weight slab (₹20 to ₹100 as applicable).
6. Collect proof & tracking ID: Note the tracking number and keep the receipt until delivery confirmation.

Gyan Post vs Book Post — quick comparison

Gyan Post is explicitly targeted at affordable educational distribution with simplified eligibility rules and subsidised pricing. Book Post (older service) had been used historically to send books but had different rates and conditions. If you are sending academic or exam material in bulk, evaluate both services at the counter — Gyan Post is generally more economical for eligible printed educational content.

Benefits for students, institutes & small publishers

• Greatly reduced logistics cost for mailing books nationwide.
• Improves reach of printed learning resources to remote regions.
• Enables low-cost distribution of exam study materials and course packs.
• Trackability reduces delivery uncertainty for both sender and recipient.

Common mistakes & precautions

• Missing printer/publisher name: Ensure this is printed on every book or pack — omission may result in rejection.
• Commercial content: If your item contains adverts or is a commercial catalogue, it may be refused.
• Poor packing: Fragile or loose packing can cause damage; use bubble/board where needed.
• Incorrect declaration: Don’t declare Gyan Post items as regular parcels; use the Gyan Post form at the counter.

Official references & further reading

• India Post / PIB press release and SOP (official rules & product launch details).
• Economic Times coverage & policy notes on Gyan Post.

Last updated: September 27, 2025. For official, up-to-date rules and tariff changes always consult your local post office or India Post notifications.