Education Cost Calculator: What Is The Cost Of Education In India?

As a parent, I often find myself wondering if I’m doing enough to secure my child’s future.

The rising cost of education in India feels like a mountain that keeps growing every year.

Can the average Indian parent afford to send their child to a private school or college? It’s a question that haunts many of us, and the answer isn’t simple.

Let’s dive into the real cost of education in India, and explore the nuances that make this such a pressing issue for families like mine.

The Ideology of Parents for their Child’s Education

As parents, we pour our hearts into our children’s education.

From the moment my daughter started school, I found myself dreaming of her excelling in class and getting into a top college

This isn’t unique to me. Across India, parents set high expectations from day one. We push our kids to aim for the best results, often sacrificing our own comforts to ensure they get the education they deserve.

It’s a mix of love, hope, and sometimes pressure, but it’s what drives us to navigate the complex and costly world of Indian education.

Cost of School Education in India

The cost of education varies from one school to the other, whether it is a government or private school. On a usual basis, in tier 1 and tier 2 cities, the tuition fees of private schools are somewhere around Rs 2,500 to Rs 8,000 every month.

The total cost paid is not restricted to the tuition fees. Parents have to pay other charges, including maintenance fees, lab and technology fees, fees for books and stationery, transportation fees, and so on. Hence, the amount almost doubles itself.

If we take the example of DPS RK Puram, we get to know that they demand Rs 25,200 just for admission. The annual tuition fees are Rs 1,09,200.  

The fees also differ from class to class. If your child is in primary, you will have to pay comparatively less considering a high school student. On average, parents have to pay Rs 6,000 for their child in primary school. When the child goes to secondary or senior secondary, this amount rises to Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000.  

With all this data, we can understand the cost of school education in India is quite costly and can be heavy on the pockets of middle-class parents.

Families with an income of Rs 3 lakhs or less in a year prefer to send their children to government schools because they cannot afford a private one. A government school requires Rs 20,000 or less per annum for a child to get a school education. 

Also Read: Impact of Education Inflation on Student Loan Rates

Cost of Boarding Schools in India

When I started researching boarding schools for my son, who’s now in his teens, I was curious about whether they’d be worth the investment.

The cost of boarding schools in India can be jaw-dropping, but they promise a best facilities. Schools like The Doon School in Dehradun or Mayo College in Ajmer charge anywhere between Rs 6,00,000 to Rs 12,00,000 per year, covering tuition, boarding, and meals.

For many parents, the decision to send a child to boarding school isn’t just financial, it’s emotional. I’ve spoken to friends who’ve chosen boarding schools for their kids, and they say the discipline, independence, and exposure to diverse peers make it worthwhile.

But with costs this high, it’s out of reach for most families, including mine. Still, if you’re considering it, make sure to factor in additional expenses like uniforms, travel, and pocket money, which can add another Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 annually.

Cost of Medical Education in India

As someone who’s watched a cousin struggle to become a doctor, I can tell you the cost of medical education in India is a whole different beast.

Government medical colleges are relatively affordable, with annual fees ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. But getting a seat is like winning a lottery, only the top NEET scorers make it. Private medical colleges, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from Rs 5,00,000 to Rs 25,00,000 per year, depending on the college and whether you’re in a management quota.

When my cousin was preparing for NEET, his parents invested heavily in coaching classes, which cost Rs 1,50,000 for a single year. Add to that the cost of books, mock tests, and travel for exams, and you’re looking at another Rs 50,000. Even after getting into a private college, the fees kept piling up, hostel charges, lab fees, and equipment costs. For families dreaming of a doctor in the house, it’s a long, expensive journey that requires serious planning.

Education Inflation Rate in India

One thing that keeps me up at night is the education inflation rate in India. It’s not just about today’s costs—fees are rising faster than my salary! Experts estimate education inflation at 11-12% annually, far outpacing general inflation. When I calculated what my daughter’s college fees might be 10 years from now, I nearly fainted. A course that costs Rs 5,00,000 today could easily balloon to Rs 14,00,000 by 2035.

This inflation affects everything—tuition, books, uniforms, even coaching classes. It’s why I’ve started looking into investment plans like EduFund, which help parents like me save systematically. Without planning, keeping up with these costs feels like chasing a moving target. If you’re a parent, I’d urge you to start saving early—every little bit helps when inflation is this relentless.

Why is the cost of school education so high?

Since education costs are so high, let’s understand why it is this way. Multiple factors contribute to the rise in the price of education. 

1. Lack of Policies 

According to a survey, many parents have an opinion that the government lacks proper policies for schools in India.

In the absence of these policies, there is no adequate regulation over schools on the criteria of fees. Every child would have received a quality education at a very minimal cost if it had been there. 

2. The ratio of students and teachers 

If you try to analyze the ratio of students to teachers, you will realize that it is pretty high. Quite a few times, teachers are not adequately trained, which affects the students’ quality of education.

But this is not true in all cases. Most private schools have a proper selection procedure for selecting the teachers, so students receive the best education possible. 

3. Infrastructure 

Infrastructure is the next important factor contributing to the increase in the total fees. The administration plans to build a space that provides overall progress for a student.

They want to give the best facilities for a student’s education, including computer labs, auditoriums, intelligent classes, games room, etc. All of these also require maintenance, which the students charge.

Also Read: Most Expensive Schools in India for Child Education

Cost of Higher Education in India

Looking ahead, I’m already bracing myself for my daughter’s college years.

The cost of higher education in India is another hurdle. Government colleges like Delhi University or IITs are relatively affordable, with fees ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,00,000 per year. But private universities like Ashoka or Manipal can charge Rs 5,00,000 to Rs 15,00,000 annually for undergraduate programs. Professional courses like engineering, law, or management are even pricier, especially in private institutes.

What worries me is the additional costs like hostel fees, mess charges, and study materials. For students moving to another city, like my cousin did for his engineering degree, these expenses can add Rs 2,00,000 to Rs 4,00,000 per year. It’s a reminder that planning for higher education needs to start early.

Also Read:Fee Structure of IIT: Cost Calculator

Impact of Coaching Classes on Education Costs

If there’s one thing that’s changed the education landscape, it’s coaching classes. When I was in school, tuition was optional, but now it feels mandatory.

The cost of coaching classes in India is staggering.Popular institutes like Allen or Aakash charge Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 2,00,000 per year for JEE or NEET preparation. Even smaller local centers cost Rs 50,000 or more annually.

For my son, who’s eyeing engineering, we’re already budgeting for coaching. It’s not just the fees, there are books, test series, and travel costs. I’ve seen parents take loans just to afford these classes, which adds another layer of financial stress. It’s a reality we can’t ignore when calculating the true cost of education.

Which is better in terms of education- Private schools or government schools?

If you compare the quality of education in private and government schools, you will realize that private schools have better teachers with proper degrees and knowledge.

Also, the private school has better infrastructure and facilities, which helps students’ overall growth. On the contrary, they demand fees that are pretty high and sometimes unaffordable for all parents.  

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Government schools of India need more experienced teachers who can provide quality education to students. Most of the time, the buildings of government schools are pretty old and are not maintained properly.

On the other hand, these schools demand a minimal fee, which most people in India easily afford. Hence, it entirely depends on the parents’ priorities and what they want for their children.

Beat Education Inflation with EduFund

The rising cost of schooling in India has become a significant concern for many families, driven by factors such as infrastructure development, higher faculty salaries, and the increasing demand for quality education. With education inflation hovering around 11-12%, parents are feeling the financial strain as tuition fees and associated costs continue to escalate.In this challenging landscape, EduFund emerges as a valuable solution for parents looking to manage these rising educational expenses effectively. Here’s how EduFund can help:

1. Long-Term Financial Planning: EduFund enables parents to plan for both immediate and long-term educational costs. By utilizing tools like the College Cost Calculator, parents can estimate future expenses related to schooling and higher education, ensuring they are prepared for the financial demands ahead.
2. Investment Options: EduFund offers various investment products, including mutual funds, digital gold, and fixed deposits. These options allow parents to grow their savings over time, helping them keep pace with education inflation and secure the necessary funds for their children’s schooling.
3. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Through SIPs, parents can invest small amounts regularly, making it easier to accumulate savings without straining their monthly budgets. This disciplined approach can significantly enhance their financial readiness for future educational expenses.

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