Recent data has revealed a striking trend – almost 50% of urban students in Classes XI and XII are now taking private tuition alongside their regular schooling. This dependence on extra classes is not just about preparing for competitive exams but also about coping with gaps in classroom learning.
I am writing about this because it reflects a bigger crisis in our education system. Tuition has become the norm rather than the exception. Schools are supposed to provide the foundation for learning, yet families are forced to spend additional money to secure what should already be guaranteed – quality teaching and conceptual clarity. This matters because it shows how unequal our education has become. Students from middle and upper-income families can afford tuition, while those from weaker backgrounds struggle to keep up. It also raises questions about whether our schools are focusing more on board exam marks than real understanding. By highlighting this issue, I want to start a conversation about why our classrooms are failing students and what changes are urgently needed.
Why are students turning to tuition?
There are several reasons why urban students in higher secondary classes are increasingly relying on tuition:
- Competition for entrance exams: With JEE, NEET, and other competitive exams becoming tougher each year, students feel regular school teaching is not enough.
- Large class sizes in schools: Many schools have over 40–50 students in one class, making it impossible for teachers to give individual attention.
- Focus on rote learning: Instead of building concepts, schools often push memorisation for board marks, leaving students unprepared for application-based exams.
- Parental pressure: Parents, worried about their child’s future, see tuition as a safety net.
The financial and emotional burden on families
Tuition is not cheap. For science stream students, monthly coaching fees can run into thousands of rupees, with specialised coaching centres charging even more. Middle-class families often cut back on other expenses just to afford extra classes. For students, balancing school, tuition, and self-study can mean long hours with little rest, leading to stress, anxiety, and even burnout.
A reflection of inequality
Not every student can afford tuition, and this is where inequality in education becomes sharper. While wealthier families can ensure their children get the best coaching, students from low-income households are left behind despite having potential. This gap makes the system unfair, with performance often depending on economic background rather than just talent or hard work.
What this means for schools
If half of urban students need tuition, it clearly signals that schools are not fulfilling their role. Teachers are overburdened, syllabi are outdated, and the focus is often on exam results rather than skill development. The fact that parents willingly pay extra for what schools should already deliver shows a lack of trust in the system.
The way forward
To reduce dependence on tuition, some steps are necessary:
- Strengthen school teaching quality by hiring more trained teachers and reducing class sizes.
- Update curriculum to include conceptual learning, not just rote memorisation.
- Make classrooms interactive so students can ask questions and clarify doubts.
- Reduce exam-centric teaching and promote analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ensure accountability for both private and government schools in delivering quality education.
