With CBSE Board examinations knocking at the doors, stalls stocked with mock test papers have witnessed significant footfall at the World Book Fair here.
Books filled with sample papers for Class X and Class XII examinations and of various competitive examinations, are distinctly arranged in sections at these stalls, making it easier for the visitors to browse and take their pick.
Most publishers, however, claim that more than facilitating sales at the fair, their agenda is to introduce their brand or make them more popular among the audience.
Arihant Publishers, one of the front runners in the genre of help-books, has books on sale from JEE Question bank, to BITSAT sample papers.
Maneesh Raj, marketing head, Arihant Books, says they were among the more populated stalls. “The response is certainly dull compared to last time, but if we compare with other stalls, visitors seem to be dropping by at our stall the most,” he says.
With the UGC application forms already out, Raj says, “The demand for UGC NET practice papers and their supporting books has been tremendous.”
While subject-wise books for JEE, BITSAT and other entrance examinations are also available, Raj says people prefer books that are more comprehensive, including everything in a single book.
“Our ‘All in One Study’ series for engineering students has been selling like hot cakes. Another book that has been extremely popular is our General Studies book which has been updated as per the latest examination pattern,” he tells PTI.
A visitor Anusha bought five books from the Arihant stall for her brother studying in Rajasthan. “He will be appearing for IIT, and Arihant sample papers are very useful,” she says.
Dolly Arora, senior Production Editor with Goodluck Publishers says the house is here to make the "visitors aware that we exist."
From English, Mathematics, to Art and Craft, the stall exhibits a huge range of books for children.
“Most of the visitors have asked for class sample papers, but since the ones we have are based on ISCE syllabus, the sale hasn't been much,” says Arora.
Upkar Prakashan has a varied collection of career-oriented books in both Hindi and English medium.
"The response has been 50 per cent of what we had expected, but owing to the approaching exams, the sales have been decent," says SP Gupta, general manager,
Upkar Prakashan.
Published 24 February 2015, 15:06 IST