Hi, I am Siddharth Singhal, currently studying in Kota, Rajasthan.
When I came to Kota last year to prepare for competitive exams, I carried dreams in my eyes — like thousands of other students who come here every year to prepare for JEE and NEET. Kota is often called the “education hub of India.” However, after spending time here and observing closely, certain realities have been constantly revolving in my mind.
One of the biggest concerns is the revenue model of coaching institutes. The average yearly tuition fee in many reputed institutes is around ₹1.5 lakh per annum. Some institutes conduct scholarship or SAT-type entrance exams and advertise “up to 100% scholarship.” But in reality, even if a student scores 100% in such exams, the maximum discount often goes up to only ₹60,000. This raises an important question — is this truly a 100% scholarship, or just a marketing strategy?
These institutes operate at a massive scale. It is believed that the combined annual revenue of major coaching institutes in Kota runs into hundreds or even thousands of crores. Some estimates suggest figures as high as ₹1,500 crore annually. With such enormous financial power, concerns naturally arise about transparency, influence, and the overall direction of the system. When education becomes a multi-crore industry, the line between service and business begins to blur.
Education is meant to build a nation, not merely generate profits. There is nothing wrong with earning revenue, but when education turns into a high-pressure commercial platform, it becomes worrying. Students are not just customers; they are the future of the country. Excessive commercialization risks reducing learning to a transaction.
Another painful reality is the condition of many government schools in India. While private coaching centers expand into multi-storey buildings with modern infrastructure, many government schools struggle with poor facilities. Some appear neglected, with inadequate classrooms and basic sanitation issues. This stark contrast reflects deeper systemic imbalance.
The financial burden on families is also significant. A student preparing for JEE or NEET in Kota may spend ₹2–3 lakhs per year, including tuition fees and living expenses. For many middle-class families, this amount represents years of savings. Parents invest everything in the hope that their child will secure a better future. When education becomes this expensive, it places immense emotional and financial pressure on both students and families.
This issue has existed for decades, yet it is rarely questioned at a systemic level. There needs to be normalization and regulation to ensure that education remains accessible and ethical. The goal should be nation-building, not profit-maximization.
India is a country full of talent and potential. But if quality education becomes accessible only to those who can afford lakhs of rupees every year, we risk losing countless bright minds simply because of financial barriers.
It is time we rethink whether education should remain a competitive marketplace or return to its core purpose — empowering young minds and strengthening the nation.
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