India, renowned for its rich tradition of storytelling and academic excellence, is now gaining prominence as a highly desirable market for international publishing firms. Its young population, diverse language landscape, and thriving education industry make India a fertile ground for high-quality content in both print and digital formats.
From Early Year’s books and academic resources to lifestyle magazines and digital-first publications, international publishers are reimagining their offerings to cater to the Indian audience.
Why India?
- Market Size: India’s book market generated approximately USD 10.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 14.6 billion by 2030, growing at a 6% CAGR.
- Global Ranking: India ranks 10th globally in book publishing, producing around 90,000 titles annually, highlighting its significant role in the global publishing landscape.
- Literacy Rate: India’s overall literacy rate stands at 80.9% for individuals aged seven years and above, reflecting steady progress in educational outreach.
- Digital Market Valuation: According to IMARC group, the digital education market in India was valued at USD 4.20 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 34.84 billion by 2033, exhibiting a 25.18% CAGR.
Historical Success Stories of International Publishers in India
India has a long history of successfully hosting international publications giants, setting precedents for others to follow:
Oxford University Press (OUP): It has a long history of presence in India, dating back to the early 20th century. The first OUP office in India was opened in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1912, serving all ages, from pre-school to postgraduate and research levels. By adapting its curriculum-based academic textbooks and reference works to Indian schools and colleges, Oxford became a trusted partner for generations of students.
Their flagship publications include Oxford Reading Tree, New Oxford Modern English, Oxford Advantage, and Oxford Student Atlases. OUP’s strategic alignment of global expertise with local curriculum has solidified Oxford’s reputation as a prominent name in Indian education.
Cambridge University Press (CUP): One of the oldest university presses founded in 1534, CPU started publishing and distributing much later in India, with a more formal presence in 1996. Its broad coverage of different age groups include English Language Teaching (ELT) for children & adults, core subject textbooks for school & higher-education, and academic & research, and monographs & journals.
Its flagship publications include Cambridge Little Steps, Cambridge Reading Adventures, Cambridge IGCSE & O Level Textbooks, Cambridge English Grammar & Writing Skills Series, and Cambridge School Grammar & Skills Builders.
Pearson: Pearson formally began its operations in India in 1997, primarily catering to the education sector including K-12, higher education, vocational training, and adult learners preparing for tests and professional development. Pearson is well known in India for textbooks, digital courseware, and exam/test content. Some of its flagship publications include Longman Academic Series, ActiveTeach, Mylab/Mastering, and MathsAhead & ScienceAhead
HarperCollins: Established in 1992 in India as a joint venture with the India Today Group, HarperCollins India has since evolved into one of the leading English-language trade publishers in the country. It is one of the largest English-language trade publishers in the country, covering fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, with diverse readership from children and young individuals to adults.
HarperCollins’s popular publications include The Zoya Factor, Radiance of a Thousand Suns, Playing It My Way, Wings of Fire, and The Argumentative Indian, and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Scholastic: Scholastic India was formed in 1997, with a primary focus on children’s publishing and school-centred literacy programmes. It caters to various age groups, including preschool, middle grade, and young adult readers, as well as offers resources and conducts book fairs for schools and classrooms. Their approach prioritizes cultivating a passion for reading by offering localized versions of popular international titles, including Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.
World Book: The Latest Global Entrant
World Book, the century-old US-based encyclopedia and educational publisher has recently made its debut in the Indian market. Known worldwide for its reliable encyclopedic materials and digital learning tools, World Book is ready to serve the needs of Indian students, schools, and teachers.
A key distinguishing factor of this entry is its collaboration with India Market Entry (IME), a specialized consulting firm that assists global education businesses in navigating the Indian market. IME offers valuable guidance on local market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and operational establishment, facilitating a seamless transition for overseas entities.
Backed by Warren Buffet
In 1985, Berkshire Hathaway, under the leadership of Warren Buffett, purchased the Scott Fetzer Company, the parent company of World Book. This acquisition aligned with Buffett’s approach of investing in companies with reputable brands and prospects for sustained expansion. World Book has flourished under Berkshire Hathaway’s stewardship, upholding its esteemed status for delivering high-quality educational materials.
Not only World Book, Other Leading Publishers also made their way to India
World Book is not alone in leveraging partnerships to enter India. Express Publishing, a UK-based leader in English Language Teaching (ELT) resources, has successfully entered the Indian market by collaborating with India Market Entry (IME). Through this partnership, Express Publishing introduced a range of ELT materials tailored to the needs of Indian students and educators. The collaboration facilitated the localization of content, ensuring cultural relevance and alignment with Indian curricula.
Similarly, Hamilton House, another prominent UK-based educational publisher, recognized the potential of the Indian market and sought a partnership with IME to facilitate its entry. The collaboration focused on introducing high-quality educational resources that cater to the specific needs of Indian learners. Through this partnership, Hamilton House was able to adapt its materials to align with Indian educational standards and cultural contexts.
These examples illustrate that international publishers are increasingly seeking partnerships with local companies to navigate India’s complex educational landscape and reach their target audiences effectively.
Wrapping Up
India, with its substantial youth population, growing middle class, and quick adoption of digital technologies, serves as a testbed for the future of global publishing, rather than just a promising market.
The country is redefining the norms for knowledge creation, distribution, and consumption. The successful stories of OUP, CUP, HyperColins, and others underscore the potential for global publishers to excel in the Indian market through effective strategies such as localization, digital integration, and partnerships.
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References:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dynamic-landscape-book-publishing-india
https://www.worldbook.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop-4ydw75q-b4-4GkJi8NwY9r2QLZPL9fV5Bs7Bel9vseKSNO70
https://www.6wresearch.com/industry-report/india-publishing-market-2020-2026
