Lucknow: Aspirants of competitive examinations are reaching in large numbers stalls where guides and test papers are being sold in the ongoing Lucknow Book Fair because there is huge discount on the study material.Books for competive exams such as Union Public Serice Commission, National Defence Academy, Combined Defence Services, Combind Admission Test (CAT) for IIMs and banking among others were the most sought-after. Students also browsed solved and unsolved papers as well as subject-wise preparation guides.Stall owners said discounts were a major reason behind the rush. Most stalls are offering books at 30% below market price, along with an additional 10% discount. “Students are coming with specific lists. Previous years’ papers are selling the fastest because they help in understanding the exam pattern,” said Vishesh Chauhan, a stall owner.“I got study material for Staff Selection Commission and bank services at a much lower price than marker,” said Pranay Singh, an aspirant. Bondita Roy, a NET-JRF (sociology) aspirant, said, “I found solved and unsolved papers at one place and it saved time while discount made it easier to buy more resources.”CAT aspirant Shubhankar Mishra, who purchased two guides for reasoning and mathmatics, said, “These guides were not available in the market.” Fair director Aakarsh Chandel said academic and competitive exam sections have consistently drawn attention.
