E-books are gradually gaining an important role in the academics as we are witnessing a shift towards digitalization. The aim of the study was to identify the preference for reading e-books or printed books among the students. A cross sectional survey was conducted among 500 students of age between 18-28 during the COVID-19 pandemic period. A questionnaire was formatted on google forms and circulated through various social media. The data collected was analysed statistically. The mean age of the students was 23+2.47 years, out of which 338(67.6%) were females and 157(32.4%) were males. Among the students 364(72.8%) suggested e-books were environmentally friendly and contribute to control the issue of global warming to a greater extent. Adding e books in academic libraries was supported by 386(77.2%) students. The ease of adding images to e-books have instilled an interest among students to opt for including e-books in their academic libraries device they preferred mostly for reading e-books were mobile phones 261 (52.2%).The shortcoming of mobile usage for reading includes distraction by the notifications which were agreed by 424(84.8%) students in our study. 66.8% preferred printed books majorly because of eyestrain, battery issues and radiation exposure. In this generation, Students prefer new technology but preserve the old customs. So e-book will become popular but will never replaces printed books.