You might want to ask this over at r/backpacks It's a sub dedicated to this type of question.

You might also tell us the screen size of your current and expected future laptops. I use a Kelty Redwing 40 that works well with my 17" screen even after slipping the laptop into a semi hard case.

Just made this purchase after researching intensely. Went with this the Osprey Nebula. It has a laptop section that can easily hold my large laptop, it can hold 2 drink containers. Possibly the best backpack I've ever owned. I also purchased a hanging clamp on so I can hang it up in a closet.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/nebula-32-NEBULA32F22.html

https://www.rei.com/product/153244/osprey-nebula-daypack-mens

Anything Mission Workshop

They're not cheap, but I like Ogio backpacks.

The upfront cost is more than offset by the fact that you won't have to buy another for a very long time.

My screen size is 15.6 inches, this may be even lower in the near future as I plan to use my laptop exclusively at home (it's a beefy gaming laptop so it's huge and has like 2 hours of battery life) and switch to a 13" iPad Pro instead for college use.

So all I need is something that can hold a small laptop and 2-3 medium sized textbooks.

This one is the only viable suggestion so far as Ogio is the only one that has an official Indian subsidiary and all the other brands suggested were over twice my budget of $40-50 USD and I'd have to import them.

This Ogio Rockefeller is just what I was looking for, thanks.

I’ve had a Dakine backpack with a laptop sleeve since 2007. I replaced it once under warranty in maybe 2013. Still going strong.

My husband has been using the same OGIO backpack everyday for about 4 years and it still looks brand new

My pleasure.

Crumpler; Australian, so likely more easily available. Still pretty expensive; think 2-300$USD. But definitely overbuilt for life; I'm still using mine after 20 or so years, and it's still functionally like new, just acquired a patina of stains over the years.

I bought my Oakley Kitchen Sink back in 2012 and it's still my go-to bag. This bag has been with me since Junior year of Highschool. I took this bag with me to basic training. Took this bag with me to college. Took this bag with me every year to our Annual Trainings for the Guard. This bag has been to Arizona, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida, South Carolina, Oregon, and Colorado. I take an annual camping trip with my brother, and this bag still comes with. No rips, no tears, no separation at the seams.

https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/92060A

It's a more expensive bag, but I have for sure gotten my money out of this.

My North Face Recon is going on about 7 years now, still in awesome shape and it's been all over.

My original budget was $50 USD maybe 60, which is why I was looking at Jansport as the US prices for their backpacks are in that ballpark. I took a look anyway and they look great and if they were officially available in India I'd somehow justify the massive price jump by telling myself that this might be one of the last backpacks I'll ever have to buy but they're not available here, even websites that sell luxury/high end goods don't have them.

Thanks for the suggestion, I have family in Australia so if they're visiting I'll ask them to bring me one.

Have this for 5 years, with some business travels, it holds up really well https://www.everki.com/us_en/laptop-backpacks/features/travel-friendly.html

Came here to say this. The Sanction. Absolutely worth the price. Beautiful Rucksack. Fantastic quality. I use mine for work (engineer lugging around lots of devices) and for travel (I can pack a week’s worth of clothes and a toiletry bag). Even enough for a 2-day business trip; fits cloths, toiletries, and my gear. It wears in so nice. Waxed canvas quality is (chef’s kiss) if you’re looking for that. You will not be disappointed.

Preach!