Pune: With private school fees reaching record highs, an increasing number of parents in Pune are taking loans and opting for EMI payments to afford their children's education. The financial burden has become so severe that securing funds for school admissions is now a bigger challenge than the admission process itself.
Ajay Chavan (name changed), a Koregaon Park resident, shared his experience: "We wanted to provide our five-year-old daughter with the best education, in a school that nurtures creativity and offers top-class facilities. However, the annual school fee is over ₹3 lakh. We managed to pay a small advance, but had to take a bank loan for the rest."
Chavan is not alone. Thousands of parents are grappling with skyrocketing fees as the new academic session approaches. Admissions for the June 2025 session began in November-December 2024, with March-April being the final phase. As a result, parents are scrambling to arrange money for the first installment of school fees.
Who Is the Most Affected?
Middle-class and economically weaker parents who cannot afford premium private education.
Parents who do not qualify for the 25% reserved seats under the RTE Act.
Single mothers who struggle with financial constraints.
Families who pay the initial school fee but later face hidden or additional charges.
According to Jagruti Dharmadhikari, State President of the Independent English Schools Association: "Parents demand premium facilities such as air-conditioned classrooms, world-class sports grounds, and advanced technology in learning. Schools must also comply with strict board regulations.
CBSE schools require five books per student and subject-specific laboratories, while IB schools mandate a teacher-student ratio of 1:25 and innovation-driven learning programs. These expectations and regulatory requirements contribute to high school fees."
