In recent years, Indian families have found themselves facing a significant increase in educational expenses, particularly with the growing trend of private coaching and enrollment in private schools. According to the Comprehensive Modular Survey on Education 2025, which surveyed over 52,000 households between April and June of this year, the landscape of education in India is transforming, compelling parents to rethink their financial priorities.
The survey reveals that nearly 40% of secondary school students are now attending coaching classes, a sharp rise from the 25% reported among primary school students. This shift underscores a growing belief among parents that supplementary education outside the classroom is essential for improving their children’s academic performance. With competition for higher education intensifying, many parents are investing in extra classes to ensure their children stay ahead.
Private schooling has also seen a marked increase in popularity, with about 38% of students enrolled in such institutions. The financial implications of this trend are profound; the average household expenditure per student in private schools is tenfold that of government schools. This disparity highlights a significant divide in educational access, raising questions about equity and affordability in the Indian education system.
Analysis indicates that families with school-aged children allocate between 5% and 10% of their monthly income to educational expenses. This spending is not just limited to tuition fees but extends to coaching classes, transportation, and learning materials. As Kishore Darak, a veteran educationist, points out, while parents may not be paying direct fees under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, they incur substantial ‘opportunity costs.’ For instance, a mother may have to sacrifice her job to care for younger siblings, thereby losing out on daily wages that could have supported the family.
This complex interplay of costs, both direct and indirect, presents challenges for many families. The increasing financial burden of education can strain household budgets, forcing parents to make tough choices. In regions where quality government schools are scarce, the decision to invest in private education becomes even more pronounced, leading to a reliance on costly coaching and tuition.
Furthermore, spending patterns are not uniform across different social groups. Families from varying economic backgrounds experience the pressure of educational expenses differently, indicating a need for more inclusive policies that address the disparities in educational access and quality. As parents strive to provide the best for their children, the reliance on private coaching and schools may continue to grow, further entrenching the idea that quality education comes at a premium.
