Why Kerala Families Spend More on Tuition Despite Low Schooling Costs

Kerala has earned a name for being one of the most affordable states when it comes to school education, thanks to its strong network of government schools and community-driven education models. Families here spend less on tuition fees, uniforms, and other school-related expenses compared to most states in India. Yet, despite this low cost of schooling, parents in Kerala end up spending heavily on private tuition for their children. This unusual balance between affordability of schools and high dependency on coaching raises important questions about the gaps in the education system.

I wanted to write about this because it highlights a paradox that goes beyond Kerala and reflects a larger issue in India’s education structure. Even when governments provide accessible schooling at low costs, parents often feel the need to seek extra academic support outside classrooms. This shows a lack of confidence in classroom teaching, growing competition, and the pressure of board exams. Understanding this trend is important not just for policymakers, but also for parents and teachers who are caught in this cycle. If we don’t examine why families are forced to spend on parallel learning systems, the promise of affordable education will remain incomplete.

Kerala’s unique education model

Kerala has one of the highest literacy rates in India, and its public education system is often seen as a success story. Government schools in the state have better infrastructure, a higher proportion of trained teachers, and active involvement from local communities. These factors help in keeping the basic schooling cost low compared to states where private schooling dominates.

Why private tuition is rising

Despite affordable schooling, reports show that households in Kerala spend significantly more on private tuition than most states. Some reasons behind this trend include:

Intense competition for higher education entrance exams
Parents’ desire for personalised attention beyond school hours
Perception that classroom teaching is not enough to secure top marks
Influence of peer pressure, where tuition becomes a norm rather than an option

Numbers that tell the story

According to recent surveys, the average cost of schooling in Kerala is among the lowest in the country. However, private tuition expenses make up a large portion of household education spending. In many families, tuition fees sometimes equal or exceed the school’s annual expenses.

The bigger concern

This dependence on private coaching creates inequality. Children from well-off families can afford multiple tuition classes, while those from weaker sections struggle to compete. This can undermine the very success Kerala has achieved in offering affordable education through its public schools.

What can be done

To address this, the focus must shift towards improving the quality of classroom learning. Some steps include:

Strengthening remedial support within schools
Encouraging innovative teaching methods to reduce reliance on rote learning
Training teachers to identify and support slow learners during school hours
Reducing exam pressure by focusing on holistic learning

Puducherry CM Rangasamy Highlights How Medical Education Builds the Nation

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy addressed the induction ceremony for new MBBS students at Takshashila Medical College, under Takshashila University in Tindivanam, and emphasised that medical education is a key pillar of nation-building. He called on young doctors to serve society with both compassion and integrity as they embark on their journey in the medical profession.

I’m writing about this because when a senior political leader highlights the value of medical education in such a way, it’s a reminder how future doctors are not just healthcare providers — they are nation-builders. In a country like ours, where healthcare and public service are deeply tied to societal progress, leaders’ messages like these matter a lot. New MBBS students often feel the weight and promise of their choice; to hear from the CM that their role goes beyond hospitals and clinics gives them a broader purpose. This also signals the government’s long-term commitment to supporting quality medical education in Puducherry, which can motivate more students to contribute meaningfully to public health.

Why Medical Education Matters for Nation-Building

Medical education is more than just learning to treat illness — it shapes the very infrastructure of a country’s health system. With strong medical training, future doctors contribute to public health, innovation in medicine, and healthcare equity. By urging graduates to use their education in service of others, the CM reinforced that these students are part of a larger mission: creating a healthier, stronger nation.

What CM Rangasamy said at the Induction Day

He praised the establishment of Takshashila Medical College, saying it aligns with the vision of building a socially responsible healthcare future.
Rangasamy reminded students that skills must be matched with values: “Compassion and integrity should guide your decisions,” he said, urging them to treat patients not only as cases, but as people in need.
He mentioned that medical education in Puducherry must serve all sections of society, encouraging graduates to go beyond personal ambition and contribute to public service.
He also called for leveraging government support and infrastructure to improve healthcare access, reinforcing that training alone is not enough without purpose.

The Prominence of Takshashila Medical College

Takshashila Medical College, under the larger umbrella of Takshashila University, represents a fresh push in healthcare education in the region. By starting a new MBBS batch, the college is playing its part in developing more doctors who can serve both local communities and national needs. For many students in Puducherry and nearby regions, this college offers an opportunity to receive good medical education without having to move far from home.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Even as the CM’s words inspire, there are practical challenges:

Infrastructure: Medical colleges need strong labs, hospital attachments, and patient inflow for effective training.
Faculty Quality: To uphold the CM’s vision of compassionate education, the institution will need teachers who are excellent clinicians as well as educators.
Affordability and Access: There is always a risk that medical education remains out of reach for economically weaker students. Government policies and scholarships will play a big role.
Public Health Orientation: Graduates must be encouraged to work in underserved areas, not just big cities, so that the promise of nation-building becomes a reality in poorer communities.

Why This Message Is Important for Students and Society

For students, this is a moral call: being a doctor is not just a profession, it’s a public trust.
For parents, it underscores that supporting a child through medical college has wider societal value.
For society, strong medical education means having trained professionals who can respond to public health crises, improve healthcare access, and innovate in medical research.
For policymakers, it’s a cue to continue investing in medical colleges, infrastructure, and ethics-driven training.