Private vs. Government Schools in India: Are Private Schools Too Expensive?

In 2019, Indians spent a staggering ₹1.75 lakh crore on private school education. This amount surpasses the entire education budget of several Indian states. It begs the question: if government schools were effectively meeting the needs of students, would such massive expenditure on private education be necessary?

The Current State of Indian Education

India has a vast education system, encompassing 14.72 lakh schools catering to 25 crore students. Of these, 12.5 crore children attend government schools while 8.5 crore are enrolled in private institutions. While private schools constitute only 25% of the total number of schools, they bear a student load comparable to the government school system.

Overcrowding, Quality, and the High Cost of Private Education

This disproportionate distribution of students has led to significant challenges, particularly within the private sector. Overcrowded classrooms, compromised educational quality, and exorbitant fees are common concerns. Are private schools genuinely providing better education, or are they exploiting the perceived shortcomings of the government system?