Karnataka's Public Libraries Struggle to Stock Updated Study Materials for Competitive Exam Aspirants

Bengaluru: Public libraries across Karnataka are increasingly doubling up as study hubs for competitive exam aspirants — but the shelves aren't keeping pace. Even as students flock in with UPSC, KAS and banking exam material, these centres of learning are struggling to stock updated guides.The education department is working on a policy remedy.A recent list of titles approved for procurement this financial year showed just how dated the shelves are — several books listed were published in 2022, sources told TOI.The issue is partly structural. With the two-year term of the State-Level Book Selection Committee having just concluded, a fresh panel — largely comprising experts from the literature fraternity — will soon take charge."The committee decides the list of books that libraries may purchase. Most of the selected titles tend to be Kannada literature," officials said.Under existing guidelines, only up to 30% of library procurement can be an equal mixture of competitive exam guides, reference books and textbooks — a ratio students say is not working."Public libraries lack quality competitive exam books," said Jayanna, Bengaluru district secretary, All India Democratic Youth Organisation (AIDYO).by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeNita Ambani unveils an innovative treehouse at Nita Mukesh...Usha Vance breaks silence on bond with Melania Trump: “We are different people”The Times of India"Students bring their own material because, for many, this is the only quiet place they can find to study. Basic books alone cost Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000, and updated coaching books cost more. Even where libraries stock these books, the number is insufficient."Basavarajendra H, commissioner, department of public libraries, said students can place book requests with the chief librarian or deputy director but clarified that procurement is possible only if the titles meet the govt-mandated price ceiling — a ceiling that many publishers say is unrealistic.The price cap affects not just competitive exam aspirants but also literature enthusiasts. As a result, prestigious titles remain out of reach for public libraries — including Heart Lamp, the International Booker Prize–winning work by Karnataka author Banu Mushtaq. Officials confirmed the book is unavailable in most state libraries.In Sept 2025, Karnataka Writers and Publishers Association urged the department to increase approved pricing by 50% per page and allow the Book Selection Committee to raise prices by 10% annually to remedy this.The libraries department has sent a proposal to the education department seeking exemption for competitive exam books from the centralised state-level list and price caps. Officials say decentralised procurement would empower district-level committees overseen by deputy commissioners to procure updated competitive exam books as per local demand.Rashmi Mahesh, principal secretary, department of school education, told TOI that the proposal is being considered and a decision will be taken before the end of the financial year.BOXReader footfall at district and city central libraries in KarnatakaYear- Footfall2023-24- 1,71,56,1402022-23-1,77,76,4982021-22- 1,84,82,922SOURCE: Department of Public LibrariesGet an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here