NewsBite analysis · Education
The Hindu
₹1,855 – What parents of each govt. school student spend on private tuition on average
A recent survey indicates that families of government school students in India incur significant costs for education, totaling an average of ₹4,757 annually. Private coaching, at ₹1,855, stands out as the largest expenditure compared to fees and other expenses. Despite a high number of children reportedly attending 'free' education, the associated costs challenge the efficacy of the Right to Education Act, which does not account for these additional financial burdens borne by families.
MonitorConfidence: HighMid term horizon
Published 24 Aug 2026, 04:35 UTC7 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Families spend ₹4,757 yearly per government school child.
- Private coaching represents the largest share of educational expenses.
- Only 27% of government school students engage in private tuition.
- 85% of surveyed children report no course fees.
- Households primarily fund children's education, with minimal external assistance.
Interesting facts
- Only 2.5% of children have their education funded by sources outside their family.
- The largest costs families face are not illegal fees but additional educational needs.
- Almost all families buy textbooks and stationery, making them unavoidable expenses.