Viral Pic of ₹ 55,600 Nursery Admission Fee Sparks Debate on Expensive Education
A viral image showing an astonishing ₹ 55,600 admission fee for nursery and junior KG students has ignited widespread debate on the skyrocketing costs of education in India. The fee breakdown also includes a ₹ 8,400 one-time parent orientation fee, leaving many parents outraged at the excessive charges.
The high cost of education, especially in metro cities, has become a growing concern. Private schools offering international curricula often charge premium fees, targeting affluent families, while middle-class and lower-income households struggle to prioritize their children’s education, often at the expense of other essential needs. This recent fee structure has shocked many, highlighting the financial strain placed on families.
The notice was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Dr. Jagdish Chaturvedi, an ENT surgeon, who humorously remarked, "₹ 8,400 parent orientation fee!!! No parent will ever agree to pay even 20% of this for a doctor consultation. I am planning to open a school now." His post resonated with many parents facing similar financial challenges, sparking a flood of comments on the post.
One user criticized the education system, saying, "These businesses feed on snob value. If you want this system to stop, start by not sending your child to such a school. But that’s a difficult move for parents due to FOMO, and the cycle continues."
Another commented on how parents tend to prioritize spending on their children’s education above all else, which explains the rapid proliferation of expensive coaching centers and schools. Another voice called for change, suggesting the need for a startup offering affordable, high-quality education. One user humorously noted, "I completed my engineering for less than this!"
Earlier, Udit Bhandari, a real estate consultant from Gurugram, raised a similar concern, sharing how his son’s school fees were increasing by 10% annually. His son's current monthly fee is ₹ 30,000 at a reputed CBSE school, and Bhandari calculated that by the time his son reaches Class 12, he would be paying nearly ₹ 9,00,000 annually if the hikes continue.
The ongoing debate has drawn attention to the need for reform in the education system, as rising school fees continue to burden families across the country.