Patna: Parents across Bihar have raised concerns over rising education costs after private schools increased tuition fees and book prices for the new academic session.
According to parents’ groups, fees have gone up by 15–20% this year, while the cost of books has surged by 25–30%. Many families say they are being forced to buy privately published books at prices several times higher than standard NCERT textbooks.
Allegations have also surfaced that schools are mandating the purchase of additional “side books” from private publishers alongside NCERT material. In some cases, parents claim they are required to buy books, uniforms and other supplies directly from school-designated counters.
Rakesh Rai said schools were increasing fees arbitrarily each year, adding that the overall burden—including admission, re-admission, development charges and uniforms—was placing significant strain on families.
For classes 9 and 10, NCERT books typically cost between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,300, while private school book sets are priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 8,000, according to parents. Even basic items such as notebooks are reportedly being sold at inflated rates when purchased through school channels.
Parents have also pointed out that school-branded notebooks limit their ability to buy cheaper alternatives from the open market.
School managements, however, defend the increases. DK Singh said fee structures depend on student strength and operational costs, adding that a portion of the revenue goes towards improving teacher salaries and maintaining educational standards.
The issue has once again brought attention to the lack of regulation in private school pricing, with parents demanding greater transparency and oversight to prevent excessive charges.
