Nursery Education Now Needs an EMI: Middle-Class Families Feel the Pressure
Nursery Education Now Needs an EMI: Middle-Class Families Feel the Pressure
Schooling in India, once seen as the path to a better life, is now turning into a serious financial burden for the middle class. A LinkedIn post by CoinSwitch co-founder Ashish Singhal has brought renewed focus on this growing crisis. His remarks about the rising cost of primary education have sparked a widespread discussion among parents, many of whom are struggling to keep up with inflation-busting school fees.
Ashish Singhal recently shared his personal experience while exploring school options for his daughter. What he discovered reflects a larger issue affecting families across Indian cities. “Started having conversations about school for my daughter. Shocked to hear what’s going on. In Bangalore, parents are now paying Rs 2.1 lakh for 3rd standard. That’s not an international school. That’s the regular CBSE,” he wrote.
He also highlighted a growing sentiment among parents who are questioning the steep fee structures. “One parent called out the Rs 2L fee for Class 3, saying even an engineering degree costs less,” Singhal added.
Across metros like Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, annual fee hikes of 10–30% have become routine. In comparison, middle-class income growth has been largely stagnant, growing at just 0.4% annually over the past decade. This mismatch is forcing many parents to reassess their household budgets, with education now taking up nearly one-fifth of monthly income.
In some cases, families are left with no choice but to take loans just to cover nursery and primary school fees. “Forget saving for college. Parents are now taking EMIs for nursery,” Singhal observed. For many, it’s not just the tuition, expenses like transport, uniforms, and books are further widening the gap between affordability and access.
Official figures suggest that education inflation is around 4%, but that number doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground. Parents are finding it increasingly difficult to balance school-related costs with other essentials like rent and groceries. Singhal calls it more than inflation. “This isn’t just inflation. It’s erosion. Of savings, sanity, and even family dreams,” he said.
Singhal’s post serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, fintech leaders, and those building financial products for everyday Indians. “This is your user. Struggling quietly, cutting corners, still showing up. Find ways to make them win,” he urged.
