Despite constitutional promises of free education, increasing dependence on private schools has placed a heavy financial burden on families
HYDERABAD — The growing dependence of families on private educational institutions in India has led to a sharp rise in school fees, with private schools increasing charges by 12 to 14 per cent every year in recent years. Meanwhile, questions continue over the condition and facilities available in many government schools.
The Constitution promises access to education for citizens, with the government responsible for providing affordable and quality education. However, critics argue that governments at different levels have failed to fully shoulder this responsibility, forcing many families to turn to private schools even when they struggle with rising costs.
The trend is visible not only in cities but also in rural areas, where private educational institutions have expanded their presence and introduced new methods to attract parents. Better infrastructure, digital learning facilities, smart classrooms and additional services are often presented as reasons for regular fee increases.
Over the past decade, private school fees have shown a continuous upward trend. Between 2016 and 2020, education fees increased by around 10 per cent, while by 2026 the annual increase reached between 12 and 14 per cent. The highest annual increase was recorded at around 14 per cent in 2014.
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed down the increase in school fees. During the two years of the pandemic, many private institutions avoided major fee hikes as families faced financial difficulties due to economic uncertainty.
However, after the pandemic period, fee increases returned as schools resumed normal operations and expanded spending on facilities and technology.
Private educational institutions argue that increasing operational costs, higher salaries, digital infrastructure, maintenance expenses and improved facilities have made annual fee increases necessary.
School managements say that maintaining quality education requires investment and that rising costs leave them with limited options.
However, parents and education activists argue that regular fee increases have created additional pressure on families, particularly middle-class and lower-income households. They say that education, which should remain accessible to all, is becoming increasingly expensive.
Several courts have issued rulings regarding the regulation of private school fees. At both the central and state levels, regulatory committees and commissions have been created to monitor and control fee structures. Despite these measures, many parents continue to complain that school expenses are increasing every year.
The weak condition of many government schools is considered one of the main reasons behind the growing popularity of private institutions. Many families prefer private schools because they believe these institutions provide better infrastructure, English-medium education, technology-based learning and improved facilities.
Delhi has been recognised as one of the leading states in terms of improving government school facilities. The performance of Delhi’s government schools has received appreciation in various national and international discussions.
The Telangana government has also taken steps to improve infrastructure in government educational institutions. The state has allocated special funds for improving facilities in schools and has introduced schemes aimed at reducing student dropouts.
As part of these efforts, the Telangana government introduced free breakfast and lunch programmes for students in government schools to encourage attendance and prevent children from leaving education.
The state government has also announced plans to establish model schools, with the aim of providing facilities similar to private corporate schools within the government education system.
Education experts believe that improving government schools is necessary to reduce the pressure on families who are forced to depend on expensive private institutions.
A senior education expert said, “When government schools provide quality education, proper infrastructure and good learning facilities, families will not feel forced to spend large amounts on private education.”
The increasing cost of private schooling has become a major concern for parents across India. While private institutions argue that fee increases are linked to improving services, many families believe that affordable quality education remains a challenge.
The debate over school fees highlights a larger issue: unless government schools improve significantly, dependence on private education is likely to continue, increasing the financial burden on families.
