Prateek Sharma, a class X student who is busy preparing for his Board examination scheduled to commence from Thursday, was running from one book store to other to grab a copy of the 21 question sets, the most sought after book for students appearing for the Board exams. However, Prateek had to go home disappointed and instead borrow it from one of his friends as the book was not available in any of the books stores.

According to one of the sales person at Milan Book Store, Vashi, the 21 question sets are the most preferred ones and it's like a Bible for the students. "We start getting the fresh stocks from December and it sells like hot cakes," he said adding, students enquire for the books even one day before the exams.

"Of all subjects, its questions sets for Mathematics and Science which are sold the most, but we do not have any stock for any of the subjects now," he said. The question set is out of stock in most of the stores since last 10 days and the shop owners do not think they would be able to get new stocks now.

Students start purchasing the book right from the time the fresh stock enter the market. "Generally it is seen that students start referring to the books before their preliminary exams so that they know what type of questions are expected," said one of the teachers from a Vashi-based school adding, students could refer to each section and learn accordingly to score better. It's rare to find a student appearing for Board exams without the 21 question set and the demand for it is so much that those who fail to get the same, purchase a copy of the book even at the eleventh hour.

Harish Rajagopal, a student from Belapur said that he had purchased the book for all the subjects in January itself. "Since then I have been referring to the book and it has helped me complete my revisions properly," Harish said adding that in the last day he would just revise with the help of the book and study the questions which is very important.

Priya Jayakumar/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication