A fee structure photo from a private school in Hyderabad, went viral, revealing an annual nursery fee of Rs 2,51,000 for the 2025-26 academic year. Shared by Anuradha Tiwari, founder of the Dharma Party of India, on X (formerly Twitter), the post sparked widespread outrage over soaring education costs and affordability for middle-income families, equating to roughly Rs 21,000 per month.
Fees for pre-primary and higher classes also exceed Rs 2.4 lakh, with classes 3 and 4 charged over Rs 3.2 lakh annually. Parents, education advocates, and social media users called for stricter regulation of private school fees, while some defended parental choice. The private institution, reportedly identified as Nasr School, has yet to respond officially, and the Telangana government is considering fee regulation measures.
Exorbitant Fees Ignite Debate on Educational Equity and Regulation
The viral photo detailed that Nasr School’s nursery fee allegedly comprises Rs 1,91,000 as tuition (paid in four installments), a Rs 5,000 admission fee, Rs 45,000 initiation fee (also in four installments), and a refundable deposit of Rs 10,000. Fees for pre-primary I and II stand at Rs 2,42,700, while classes 1 and 2 cost Rs 2,91,460 annually, escalating to Rs 3,22,350 for classes 3 and 4.
Social media users expressed shock and frustration, questioning what justifies such high charges for early childhood education. Comments highlighted growing inequity in education costs, describing the fees as exploitative or likening the system to a “scam.”
Some parents stressed choice, saying those who cannot afford such fees should opt for other schools. Calls for transparency, effective policy reforms, and a fee capping mechanism grew louder amid concerns that rising fees are outpacing middle-class income growth.
Background: Rising Private School Fees Amid Calls for Policy Intervention
India’s private school sector has faced longstanding criticism over escalating fees that outstrip average family incomes, especially in urban centres. Telangana is among states contemplating legislation like the Telangana Private Schools and Junior Colleges Fee Regulatory and Monitoring Commission Bill, 2025, aiming to create a regulatory body to categorise schools and cap fees according to their costs.
The bill proposes penalties and sanctions against non-compliant institutions. Currently, ill-regulated fees coupled with additional costs for uniforms, transport, and lunch place heavy burdens on families. The viral fee controversy gives renewed impetus to ongoing debates about educational affordability, equity, and the need for transparent, accountable school fee structures.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Education should be a gateway to equal opportunity, social cohesion, and personal growth—not a privilege restricted by soaring economic barriers. The surge in private school fees, as exemplified by this viral case from Hyderabad, threatens to widen educational divides and alienate middle-income families seeking quality early education.
Transparent fee disclosures and robust regulatory frameworks are crucial to balancing quality schooling with affordability. We must foster dialogue among communities, policymakers, and educational institutions to ensure equitable access without compromising standards.
