THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The latest ‘Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education, 2025’, conducted by the Union Government, has shown that a student in Kerala spends an average of Rs 16,518 per year on school education, making it the lowest annual average expenditure incurred by a pupil in south India. However, this figure does not include private tuition costs, which are significantly higher in Kerala than any other state in the region.
The survey also found that students in Kerala spend an average of Rs 11,836 per year for private tuition, which is the highest in south India. This is nearly double the all-India average of Rs 8,973 per year.
These findings have sparked a debate among educationists and policy makers in Kerala about the affordability of quality education and the potential impact of high private tuition costs on social equity.
Despite the low annual expenditure on school education, the survey also highlights that educational institutions in Kerala are well-equipped compared to other states in south India. The state has a strong focus on infrastructure development and technology integration in its schools, which could be contributing factors to the lower spending on school education.
The survey results have been met with some criticism, as they do not take into account the cost of books, transportation, and other related expenses. However, it is clear that private tuition costs are a significant burden for many families in Kerala, which could have far-reaching implications for the state’s education system.
Stakeholders have called for a comprehensive review of education policies in Kerala to address this issue and ensure that quality education remains accessible and affordable for all students. The survey results serve as a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in the realm of education in Kerala and across India.
