In the current educational climate in India, the rising costs of private schooling are prompting many to reconsider the value they offer. “Stop sending your kids to private school,” urges CA Meenal Goel, highlighting a growing sentiment among parents burdened by exorbitant fees.
that eats up a huge chunk of a family’s income.
If you are a parent, you probably know the numbers, but seeing them together is still shocking. She further writes on LinkedIn, “Here’s what school fees really look like: Admission charges: Rs 35,000, Tuition fee: Rs 1.4L, Annual charges: Rs 38,000, Transport: Rs 44–73K, Books and uniform: Rs 20–30K.”
Add it all together, and the yearly cost for one child easily comes to Rs 2.5 to Rs 3.5 lakh. In bigger cities, reputed schools can charge over Rs 4 lakh a year per child, while even mid-level schools now cost around Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh, says Goel.
This financial strain is further amplified when compared to India’s average annual income of Rs 4.4 lakh. Private school fees, averaging between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 4 lakh a year, represent 40% to 80% of a single parent’s income.
“We talk about healthcare inflation, but education inflation is the silent middle-class killer,” Goel says. Many families silently cut down on other expenses, dip into savings, take loans or sacrifice comforts, all to pay school fees. For many, good schooling has become a luxury that they feel they cannot skip.
More parents are now asking, ‘Is private school really worth it?’ Should they explore affordable schools, government schools or alternative learning options?
As fees keep rising every year, the pressure on parents will only increase. Maybe it is time to pause, calculate, and decide what we are really paying for? And is there a better way to secure our children’s future without drowning in school bills?
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