Published: September 4, 2025 • Calm Gulf Life Blog
Big news for families and students! India’s latest GST update has brought major relief for parents and teachers by reducing or eliminating tax on essential school items. Back-to-school shopping just got more affordable, and expats sending supplies home can enjoy extra savings too.
🔍 What Changed
The GST Council has restructured its tax slabs, bringing big benefits to households:
- 0% GST on daily essentials like notebooks, pencils, erasers, and maps.
- 5% GST on geometry kits, crayons, and art supplies.
- A simpler two-slab GST structure (5% & 18%) for most goods.
💡 Why This Matters
Even a small tax cut means real savings for every family. Schools and NGOs benefit too, as bulk purchases will now cost less.
Example: A school kit worth ₹1,000 with 12% GST meant ₹120 extra. Removing GST saves ₹120 per student — huge savings across classrooms.
🌍 Why Gulf Families Should Care
For Indian expats in the Gulf, this is great news! Shopping for school supplies in India during visits or sending parcels home is now cheaper.
- Plan bulk purchases during India trips.
- Look for updated “GST Included” tags online.
- Schools and PTAs can negotiate better supplier rates.
📋 How to Take Advantage
Make a checklist of essential items like notebooks, pencils, and maps. Since prices are lower, you can also choose better quality products without stretching your budget.
✨ Final Thoughts
More than a tax adjustment, this GST update aims to make education accessible and affordable for all families. Spread the word among your family and friends. Staying updated with India’s economic changes helps Gulf expats save money while supporting loved ones back home.
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