AKTU Makes One Hour of Daily Book Reading Mandatory for Students

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University has made one hour of daily book reading mandatory for students across its 756 affiliated colleges to encourage reading habits and critical thinking.
on Jun 22, 2026

As part of an important move towards encouraging reading culture among students, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has made it compulsory for students to read books for one hour daily and submit review reports in respect of the content understood.

This is one of the biggest reading campaigns being launched by any educational institute in India, involving all 756 colleges affiliated to AKTU.

Encouraging Reading Culture

The move is in line with directions from the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Chancellor of State Universities Anandiben Patel, who has always been emphasizing the need for reading and intellectual activity among students.

The directive has been made through an official letter by AKTU Registrar Reena Singh, who has asked the affiliated institutions to make sure that students read a certain book for one hour daily and submit review reports in respect of the content understood.

Countering the Problem of Reduced Reading Patterns

As per the university authorities, the launch of the initiative was prompted by the worries that there has been a reduction in the reading habits of the students, especially at a time when distractions are high due to the prevalence of digital media and shorter content consumption practices.

Through encouraging the students to read books on a consistent basis, the university is hoping to improve their critical thinking, comprehension skills, vocabulary, and curiosity.

Reading books and writing reviews could also assist the students in improving their communication skills and helping them look at things from a different perspective apart from what they learn through their educational coursework.

A Broader Perspective Than Just Technical Education

Although AKTU is recognized mainly for its courses in engineering, management, pharmacy, architecture, and technical fields, the new initiative shows that the university has taken the initiative to provide its students with holistic education along with the technical one.

Educators have always emphasized the importance of reading outside academic books for fostering creativity, empathy, analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Positive Implications for Libraries, Publishers, and Book Ecosystem

In addition to the above advantages of the programme, it would also be positive for the library, publishing, and the book ecosystem. There is a need for providing book access to thousands of students who are required to read on a regular basis via libraries, digitization and reading programmes.

During the times when all educational institutions are looking for ways to enhance their learning outcomes and involvement of students, the move of AKTU proves the eternal value of books as instruments of mental development.

Why It Matters

This is an evidence of understanding the significance of reading as the basis of the knowledge economy. Being exposed to digital educational systems, students can improve their skills of concentration and critical thinking by participating in structured reading programmes.

For educators, publishers, and supporters of reading culture, it is an attempt to return books into the center of student’s life – hour after hour.