Indian Families Face Expensive Education

Indian families face expensive education as private school fees soar, straining household budgets across cities like Delhi. Parents are grappling with annual fee hikes, some as high as 20%, which outpace inflation and wage growth. For many, these costs consume a significant portion of income, forcing tough choices between education and other necessities.

In Delhi, protests have erupted outside schools, with parents demanding transparency in fee structures. Social media posts on X highlight widespread frustration, with families sharing stories of financial stress and some even considering legal action against schools for what they call “exploitative” increases. One user noted that fees for a single child can exceed ₹2 lakh annually, a burden for middle-class households.

The rising costs stem from schools citing higher operational expenses, including teacher salaries and infrastructure upgrades. However, parents argue that many institutions lack accountability, with fees often funding lavish facilities rather than educational quality. Government schools, while affordable, are often overcrowded or lack the resources of private institutions, leaving families with limited options.

Data from a 2023 education survey indicates that private school enrollment in urban India has grown by 10% over the past decade, yet only 30% of these schools are regulated for fee hikes. This gap has fueled calls for stricter oversight. In response, some state governments are exploring caps on annual increases, but progress remains slow.

For Indian families, the dream of quality education comes at a steep price, pushing many to the financial brink. As debates continue, parents are advocating for reforms to make schooling more equitable.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 27th, 2025

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