Supply Snellen Charts to Government Schools Across India
The Opportunity
The Punjab Education Department has issued strict directives mandating Snellen Charts in all government schools for vision screening, but the article reveals that many districts have not yet completed installation. This represents a compliance-driven, time-sensitive demand across thousands of schools nationally.
Market Size
₹15-25 crore across India. Reasoning: ~42,000 government primary schools in India × ₹3,000-6,000 per Snellen Chart setup (chart + mounting + installation materials) = ₹12.6-25.2 crore TAM. Punjab alone has 942 schools mandated (Jalandhar district mentioned), suggesting state-wide rollout.
Business Model
Manufacture or source Snellen Charts (printed optical charts meeting Indian Standards IS 5597) and supply directly to District Education Departments. Offer bundled packages: chart + wall mount + installation service + teacher training certification.
1) Direct sales to schools at ₹4,000-5,000 per unit (942 schools in Jalandhar × ₹4,500 = ₹42.4 lakh initial); 2) Installation & training service fees at ₹500-1,000 per school; 3) Bulk B2B contracts with state education departments across multiple states post-Punjab success.
Your 30-Day Action Plan
Research Indian Standards (IS 5597) for Snellen Chart specifications and identify 2-3 printing vendors in Punjab/North India with bulk capacity. Obtain sample quotes.
Register business and apply for GST. Contact District Education Officer (Jalandhar) to understand procurement process, timelines, and budget allocation for chart installation.
Develop pilot inventory of 50-100 units with one vendor. Design installation mounting kit and create teacher training module on vision screening procedures.
Submit tender bid or direct proposal to Jalandhar District Education Department. Simultaneously, map 3-4 other Punjab districts for phased expansion.
Compliance & Regulatory Angle
GST: 5% on stationery/charts. Product must comply with Indian Standards IS 5597 (Snellen test charts). No import duties if sourced domestically. School procurement requires tender registration with e-procurement portals (e-tendering). May need brief quality certification from State Education Department.
Ready to Act on This Opportunity?
Generate a 7-step execution plan — validate the market, build the MVP, model the financials, map the risks, and ship in 30 days.