Bengaluru parents grapple with high education costs

In the face of rising urban living costs, parents in Bengaluru are facing a new and growing challenge—skyrocketing school fees. With both parents often working to sustain household expenses, many families are struggling to afford not just education but also childcare.

A recent school fee receipt that surfaced on social media has drawn attention to the steep cost of early childhood education in the city. According to the viral fee breakdown, parents are required to pay a total of ₹2,51,000 for a nursery admission, covering tuition, admission, institutional fees, and a caution deposit. For UKG (Lower Junior Grade), the cost increases to ₹2,72,400. Meanwhile, classes I and II come with a fee tag of ₹2,91,000, and for grades III to V, the charges soar to ₹3,22,550. This has sparked widespread concern among working-class families, many of whom earn around ₹1.5 lakh a month.

Basic monthly expenses such as rent, groceries, electricity, and medical bills already consume most of the income, leaving little to no room for savings. Childcare, be it through daycare centers or domestic help, adds further strain. Bengaluru-based software firm director Harish A.N. voiced frustration over the rising costs, pointing out that the price of Nandini milk has surged to ₹47 per litre, while diesel now costs ₹91.02 per litre after a ₹2 hike. Metro fares, which once capped at ₹60, now touch ₹90. Additionally, electricity, garbage taxes, and even coffee powder have seen price jumps.

Harish also highlighted the rental burden, noting that a 2BHK home in localities like Koramangala or Whitefield commands a rent of around ₹40,000 per month. Even PG accommodations and single rooms have become expensive. And let's not even start on the traffic, he remarked. With salaries stagnating and layoffs affecting tech workers.