A significant study conducted in India's capital has shed light on the evolving reading habits of its young population. The research, carried out by the Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG), an institution recognized by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), surveyed over 1,700 students aged 15 to 25 across schools and colleges in Delhi. The findings present a nuanced picture of how urban youth engage with books beyond their textbooks.
Key Findings on Reading Frequency and Formats
The study's central revelation is that nearly half of the surveyed students, 46%, read non-academic books at least once a week. This indicates a persistent interest in leisure reading among a substantial segment. Conversely, 28% of respondents admitted to reading rarely or not at all, with a mere 6% stating they never read for pleasure.
An interesting trend emerges when comparing educational levels. The habit appears stronger among school students, with 51% reporting regular reading. This figure sees a notable decline to 41% among college students. Researchers attribute this shift to the looser institutional structures and increased academic and time-management pressures prevalent in higher education.
Despite the pervasive digital environment, traditional print maintains its dominance. About 45% of students stated that most books they read in the past year were physical copies. In contrast, only 13% primarily consumed e-books. When digital reading does occur, it is largely fueled by free downloads rather than subscriptions to paid platforms.
The Impact of Screens and Language Preferences
Digital devices pose a significant challenge to sustained reading. Nearly half of the participants acknowledged that mobile phones and television significantly eat into the time they could spend reading. This highlights the intense competition for attention in a screen-saturated world.
Language choice reveals one of the most pronounced shifts. An overwhelming 85% of respondents expressed a preference for reading in English. Only 10% favored Hindi, and a scant 2% chose other Indian languages. While the study authors note this reflects Delhi's specific urban and socio-economic profile, it also points to a limited engagement with vernacular literature among the city's youth.
Motivations, Genres, and Access to Books
The reasons driving young readers are more instrumental than recreational. Improving language skills emerged as the strongest motivator, closely followed by the desire to gain knowledge. Reading purely as a hobby ranked much lower, suggesting that for many urban youth, leisure reading is often tied to self-improvement goals rather than simple relaxation.
Genre preferences further reinforce this pattern. Fiction dominates the landscape, with mystery, adventure, fantasy, and horror being the most popular categories. Self-help books also feature prominently, reflecting contemporary concerns around mental well-being and personal aspiration. In contrast, books on subjects like politics and economics attract relatively few regular readers.
Access to reading material does not appear to be a major barrier. More than 70% of regular readers purchase books from physical bookstores. Borrowing from friends, family, and institutional libraries remains a common practice, indicating that reading often functions as a social and peer-influenced activity.
These findings arrive at a crucial time when the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes building robust reading cultures through libraries, dedicated reading periods, and exposure to diverse texts. The study concludes that while a foundational interest in reading persists among Delhi's youth, sustaining and deepening this habit will require concerted efforts. Key recommendations include mitigating digital distractions, easing academic overload, and expanding access to engaging material, particularly in Indian languages.
