The government’s fresh GST 2.0 rules rolled out on 22 September 2025. The GST Reforms for a New Generation brought in a lot of changes that have turned the school supply market upside down. Some items are now completely tax-free, while others have slipped into the expensive bracket with 18% GST. For students, parents, and teachers, this update changes the way we shop for essentials like notebooks, pens, school bags, and even art materials. The Junior Age has a breakdown list that will help you know and understand the updated price better.
Know what’s cheaper and what’s not under the new GST rates 2025:
New GST rates 2025 – what’s cheaper now
All the basic school supplies are now under the cheaper category of the new GST reforms for a new generation.
Under 0% slab and now tax-free:
- Notebooks, exercise books, graph books, lab notebooks
- Maps, charts, globes, and classroom visuals
- Stationery essentials and art materials: Pencils, crayons, pastels, erasers, sharpeners, and drawing chalk
- Uncoated paper & paperboard
Under 5% GST rates:
Medical/learning support: Thermometers, vision-correction glasses
For families with younger children, baby essentials such as feeding bottles, napkins, and nappies have been reduced to 5% GST, making childcare slightly less expensive.
What’s costlier now, as per the new GST rates 2025
On the other hand, some school supplies that parents purchase every year have become more expensive. Pens, fountain pens, markers, and stylus pens have been shifted to the 18% GST bracket, up from the earlier 5 to 12%.
School bags, satchels, and backpacks also now carry 18% GST, which is bad news for families buying new bags at the start of the school year. Printed books that do not fall into the notebook or exercise book category are also taxed at 18%, which could affect the cost of textbooks and storybooks.
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