Thesis Binding Cost in India (2025)
Updated: February 2025 • 4 min read
Submitting your PhD thesis or final year project? The biggest confusion students face is pricing. Local shops often charge arbitrary rates. Here is a transparent breakdown of standard market rates vs OnlinePrintout prices.
1. Hardcover Binding (Gold Embossing)
This is the standard for PhD and M.Tech submissions. It includes a thick cardboard cover wrapped in Rexine (Black, Blue, or Maroon) with your Title and Name printed in Gold Foil.
- Local Market Price: ₹400 - ₹600 per copy
- OnlinePrintout Price: ₹300 per copy
- Turnaround: 2-3 Days
2. Softcover (Thermal Binding)
Best for draft copies or initial submissions. It uses a thick paper cover glued to the spine. It looks professional but is much cheaper than hardcover.
- Local Market Price: ₹150 - ₹200 per copy
- OnlinePrintout Price: ₹60 per copy
- Turnaround: Dispatch in 24 Hrs
3. Spiral Binding
Ideal for daily notes and rough drafts. We use a transparent plastic front sheet and a hard blue/black back sheet for durability.
- Local Market Price: ₹60 - ₹80 per copy
- OnlinePrintout Price: ₹40 per copy
- Turnaround: Dispatch in 24 Hrs
Pro Tip: Print in Bulk
Most of the cost comes from printing pages, not just binding. OnlinePrintout offers rates as low as ₹0.60/page for bulk orders, whereas local shops charge ₹2 to ₹5 per page.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When visiting a local xerox shop, watch out for:
- Paper Quality: Ensure they use 100 GSM bond paper for double-sided thesis prints so text doesn't bleed through.
- Color Pages: Shops often charge ₹15-20 for color pages inside the thesis. Our rate is significantly lower.
- Urgency Charges: "Same day" service locally often carries a 50% premium.