Parents in Hyderabad already struggling with sharp fee increases now confront another financial challenge. Many schools across the city and state have formed partnerships with coaching institutes. These tie-ups offer preparation for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and Civil Services.
Coaching Programs Start Early with High Costs
Most schools introduce these coaching programs from class 8. Fees typically begin around ₹30,000 per year. Some schools also offer similar courses for upper primary and primary classes. Charges for younger students are usually lower but still add to family expenses.
Parental Experiences Highlight Concerns
Sowjanya K from Habsiguda shared her experience. Her son's school offered Civil Services coaching starting in class 8. She paid ₹30,000 annually for instruction by faculty from a corporate institute.
"Except for providing study material, the classes are hardly useful," Sowjanya said. "We paid an additional fee about 35% of the school fee due to peer pressure. Schools should avoid such tie-ups."
Other parents noted coaching fees increase yearly without added value. Sree Lakshmi observed her child's school charging more each class. "The fee rose by ₹3,000 per class. For class 10, they charged about ₹50,000 for JEE and NEET coaching through a Kota-based institute," she explained.
She added many children learn little from these sessions. Classes often occur just once after school on weekdays.
Budget Schools Also Join the Trend
This practice extends beyond elite institutions. Even budget schools now offer such classes. They collaborate with publishers supplying coaching materials for Olympiads and foundation courses.
School management claims these programs provide study materials, teacher training, and question papers. This justification helps them charge around ₹15,000 for materials alone.
Official Response and Legal Concerns
The Telangana Education Commission confirmed receiving multiple complaints. PL Vishweswar Rao, a TEC member, stated the practice is illegal.
"No school or college can do this," Rao emphasized. "A college or coaching institute cannot go to a school and charge money for coaching or foundation courses. This has become a business model commercializing education."
The commission is actively working to address the issue following parental and student grievances.
