The competition between private schools vs public schools has been there ever since they came into existence. But the question is, which one is better? Which option would prove to be advantageous for your children?
This topic envisages the parents to decide among the two most popular types of schools.
Let’s understand private vs. public schools and which might be more beneficial for you and your child.
Private schools vs. Public schools: What’s the difference?
A private school is an autonomous body that generates funds through different types of fees that the students have to pay.
It includes tuition fees, maintenance fees, lab fees, and so on. Furthermore, private schools also get endowments and private grants.
Usually, these schools teach things that go above the level of the prescribed curriculum. It helps in catering to students who might be gifted or belong to other nationalities.
A public school, on the other hand, is funded by the government and students need not pay anything in most cases.
The district charts out the curriculum which has to be followed by these public schools. Also, they do not have the right to deny admission to any student living in the school’s residential area.
People have different preconceived notions about both private and public schools which may or may not be true in all cases.
Usually, private schools are considered to be on the costlier side which provides all-around development for a child.
On the other hand, public schools are considered to be for those people who cannot afford to send their child to a private school. The curriculum is also said to be low-grade with an environment that is shoddy and less maintained.
Hence, it is important to analyze the pros and cons of both private and public schools.
Comparison of major differences between private and public schools
1. Education and Curriculum
The education and curriculum of private and public schools are quite different. The curriculum of a private school is decided by the governing body to which the school is affiliated.
Whereas, public schools have the same curriculum pan India. Certain bodies have the right and power to provide affiliations to schools such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ISCE), state boards, the Central Board, and so on.
2. Teaching staff
The teaching staff of private schools has to undergo a rigorous selection procedure where their knowledge and qualifications are verified. This is done so that the best set of teachers is selected to educate the students.
On the contrary, there is a lack of recruitment of teachers in public schools. According to the Right of Education Act, 2009 for every 30 students, there should be one teacher allocated.
But, this does not happen to all the classes of a government school. During a survey conducted in 2016, it was found that there is one teacher for every 90 students in a government school, which does not serve the purpose.
Hence, the quality of education for your children might be put at stake.
3. Accreditation Board
The accreditation boards of both public and private schools are different. Private schools can be under any board such as CBSE, CISCE, and so on. Public schools majorly function under the state boards and CBSE.
4. Denial of Admission
Private schools have the right to deny your child’s admission if they do not agree to a certain thing. They ask for documents and have several other requirements.
If you are unable to provide those documents or if the school management finds some error in them, they might withdraw your child’s application.
On the other hand, public schools cannot deny admission to your child according to Section 15 of the Indian Constitution.
According to this act, all children have the right to free and compulsory education under the age group of 6 to 14. It has been mentioned in the RTE Act of 2010.
Primary Education vs Secondary Education in India
5. Transportation
In private schools, the management arranges buses or other vehicles for easy transportation of the students. Students may or may not opt for those.
The transportation cost in private schools is usually between Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,000 per month depending on the student’s residence. Sometimes, students even rent a private vehicle to go to school.
In the case of public schools, most of the students are from a nearby locality. The school arranges for a vehicle that can pick up and drop them off.
The transportation cost is usually Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per month depending on the distance of the stoppage.
6. Fees
The total cost paid to the school has to be one of the most important points when we compare private and public schools.
Private schools tend to be on the costlier side because of the facilities that they provide. If you take the example of Tagore International Public School situated in Delhi, you will know that they charge Rs 7,652 per month for grade 1, which is quite a lot compared to a public school.
Some might be extremely expensive but most middle-class families can afford to send their children to a private school these days. Certain private schools are not that expensive such as
| Schools | Monthly Fees |
| Shri Ram Centennial School, Indore | Rs 4,300 per month |
| SRN International School, Jaipur | Rs 3,500 per month |
| Saint John’s Academy, Allahabad | Rs 3,996 per month |
| RPS Residential School, Patna | Rs 2,650 per month |
| St. Joseph’s Convent School, Panchgani | Rs 3,340 per month |
On the other hand, public schools are usually only opted for by students whose family income is less than 2 lakhs per annum.
A child studying in a government school in India won’t need anything more than Rs 20,000 per annum.
Did you know that around 6 crore Indian students are enrolled in privately managed schools? This accounts for around 4.5 lakh schools in India.
The system of education in India is quite different and may or may not please everyone in the country. There are different options that parents can explore.
Although private schools attract parents more for their child’s better education, public schools have also been working on the same.
Certain government schools based in Delhi have been going through major revamping. In the near future, we can expect both types of schools to provide the best quality of education.
FAQs
What are the primary differences between private and public schools?
Private schools are autonomous institutions that generate funds through various fees, while public schools are government-funded and mostly free for students. Private schools often offer a curriculum beyond the standard, catering to gifted or diverse students. Public schools follow a uniform curriculum outlined by governing bodies like CBSE, ISCE, or State Boards.
How do transportation options compare between private and public schools?
Private schools often arrange transportation for students, with costs varying depending on the distance. Public schools generally cater to nearby students, providing transportation at a lower cost. Private school transportation can range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,000 per month, while public school transportation can cost around Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per month based on distance.
Can private and public schools deny admission to students?
Private schools have the right to deny admission based on certain criteria or errors in documentation. However, public schools cannot deny admission under Section 15 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14. This provision is outlined in the RTE Act of 2010.
How does the quality of teaching staff differ between private and public schools?
Private schools generally have a rigorous selection process for their teaching staff, ensuring high qualifications. In contrast, public schools sometimes face a shortage of teachers, affecting the quality of education. According to the Right to Education Act, there should be one teacher for every 30 students, but in some government schools, this ratio can be as high as 1:90.
