A fee structure of a private school in Hyderabad has sparked widespread debate on social media after it was revealed that parents are being asked to pay a staggering Rs 2.51 lakh a year to enroll their toddlers to nursery.
The recently gone-viral picture of the 2025-26 nursery fee structure of the school was posted by Anuradha Tiwari, the founder of Dharma Party of India, on X (formerly Twitter). Her tweet soon gained public attention.
“Now, learning ABCD will cost you Rs 21,000 per month. What are these schools even teaching to justify such a ridiculously high fee?” she questioned in her post.
What Does the Nursery Fee Include?
This is the fee breakup according to the viral image:
- Tuition Fee: Rs 47,750
- Admission Fee: Rs 5,000
- Initiation Fee: Rs 11,250
- Refundable Deposit: Rs 10,000
Other Annual Charges: Balance due in four instalments
The total comes up to Rs 2,51,000, payable in four instalments — June, September, December, and the last term.
Fees Increase Sharply With Every Class
Fees for the nursery are just the start. This is how the fee is increased:
- Pre-Primary I (PPI): Rs 2,72,400
- Pre-Primary II (PPII): Rs 2,72,400
- Classes I & II: Rs 2,91,460
- Classes III to V: Rs 3,22,350
For families with more than one child, or even a modest income, the rising cost of education is becoming a serious concern.
Netizens React to Viral School Fee Post
The viral fee structure of a Hyderabad private school has generated a storm of responses on the web. While some condemned the exorbitant fees, others suggested practical alternatives and pointed to larger systemic flaws in India's education system. Here's what users had to say:
One user said, "If you can’t afford the fees, don’t send your kids to that school — it’s as simple as that."
Suggested another user, proposing a community-led alternative to costly private schooling: "Why not form a cooperative homeschooling system? Fifteen housewives could come together to teach their children using the school syllabus and their own skills. The kids would get personal attention, and I’m sure they'd excel."
Claimed a user, highlighting the exclusivity and pre-conditions of private school admissions: "For admission into Class 1, parents need to book a seat two years in advance. Schools even provide a list of 'approved' nursery schools, with fees ranging from ₹2–3 lakh annually. If the child isn't enrolled in one of those, admission is denied. That’s the current reality in many private convent schools."
Wrote another, calling for regulatory action to control rising costs: "The government must intervene and put an end to this fee monopoly. Education is becoming unaffordable for the average Indian."
Pointed out a user, questioning societal priorities and perceptions around education: "It’s less about education and more about social status. Parents are willing to pay exorbitant fees just to say their child goes to a 'fancy' school. The problem lies as much in this mindset as it does in the schools."
Explained one user, addressing the broader ecosystem contributing to rising educational expenses: "India needs urgent education reform. The board exams are easy, but competitive exams are tough — which drives the demand for private coaching. Coaching centers then hike fees without regulation, pushing education costs even higher."
