The coaching race is costing parents lakhs. Here's how to plan

Parents in India spend ₹2-4 lakh on coaching before college admissions, often dipping into retirement savings or taking on debt.

Education inflation runs at 10-12% annually, nearly double general CPI, doubling costs every six to seven years.

A two-year IIT-JEE integrated coaching course costs ₹3.5-4.5 lakh, excluding travel, exam fees, and materials.

Only 18,951 seats are available across all IITs, while 35 lakh students appear for NEET and JEE, creating intense competition.

Experts warn against 'herd mentality' where parents enroll children in coaching without assessing fit, leading to financial strain and psychological pressure.