The National Sample Survey (NSS) 2025 has shed light on an important question—do Indian households spend more on boys’ education compared to girls? The findings suggest that, on average, families in India still tend to spend slightly more on educating boys than girls, though the gap is slowly narrowing with changing social attitudes and rising awareness about equal opportunities in education.
I wanted to cover this topic because it is more than just a survey report; it reflects how Indian society values the education of boys and girls differently. Parents often dream of giving their children the best education, but when it comes to financial choices, cultural factors, family income, and long-term expectations play a role. By looking closely at these numbers, we can understand where India stands today in terms of gender equality in education and how the financial burden differs. This conversation is important because it directly affects policy decisions, family priorities, and, most importantly, the future of lakhs of students across the country.
Key Findings of NSS 2025 on Education Expenses
According to the survey:
- Average spending on boys’ education remains higher than on girls, especially in urban areas.
- The cost difference is sharper at higher education levels like professional courses and technical degrees.
- In rural areas, the spending gap is lower but still visible.
- Families often allocate more resources to boys when it comes to private coaching, hostels, and higher education fees.
Why Are Boys’ Education Expenses Higher?
Several factors explain the difference in spending:
- Parental mindset: Some families still believe investing more in boys will give better financial returns in the future.
- Choice of courses: Boys are more often enrolled in professional or technical courses, which are usually more expensive.
- Extra coaching: Boys are more likely to attend private tuition and coaching institutes, adding to overall costs.
The Changing Trend
The positive sign is that more families are beginning to spend equally on girls, especially in urban and middle-class households. Many girls are now enrolling in competitive courses like engineering, medical, and management, which means their education expenses are rising. Government scholarships and schemes for girls’ education are also helping bridge the gap.
Example from Daily Life
For instance, in many families I know, parents readily pay high fees for a son preparing for engineering entrance exams, but for daughters, there is hesitation unless she strongly insists. But the story is changing—today, daughters are also making it to IITs, medical colleges, and other top institutes, proving that equal investment is worthwhile.
