Private tutoring market accelerates in India, driven by rural, eastern regions

By: Team India Tracker

The rise of private coaching raises concerns about schooling and equity, as it can improve results but favours wealthier families who can afford extensive tutoring.

With parents increasingly focused on improving academic performance and competitive exam success, private tutoring, or coaching, has evolved into a parallel education system in India. Participation has steadily climbed across all school levels. Primary-class students, ages 6 to 11, saw enrolment rise from 16.4 per cent in 2017–18 to 22.9 per cent in 2024–25. Middle-school participation increased from 21.9 per cent to 29.6 per cent, while secondary-level students attending coaching classes grew from 30.2 per cent to 37.8 per cent. Among higher-secondary students, the share taking private tuition jumped from 27.5 per cent to 37 per cent over the same period. These figures reflect the growing reliance on private coaching to supplement formal schooling. 

Rural India catching up 
 
The surge in tutoring is not limited to urban centres. Rural India is witnessing rapid growth in private coaching participation. Female enrolment in rural areas rose from 16.5 per cent to 25 per cent, nearly matching rural males, who increased from 17.9 per cent to 26 per cent. Overall, rural participation jumped from 17.3 per cent in 2017–18 to 25.5 per cent in 2024–25, outpacing urban growth, which rose from 26 per cent to 30.7 per cent. While more urban students still attend coaching—32.4 per cent of males and 28.8 per cent of females—the faster growth in rural areas highlights the expanding demand for supplementary education beyond cities. 

Regional trends & cultural influence 
 
Regional disparities in coaching participation are striking. Eastern and northeastern states lead the way, with 78.6 per cent of school students in Tripura enrolled in private tuition, followed by 77.8 per cent in Manipur and 74.6 per cent in West Bengal. Odisha (57.1 per cent) and Bihar (52.5 per cent) also show high participation rates. These patterns likely reflect a strong cultural emphasis on education and intense local academic competition. In contrast, Rajasthan, home to the famous Kota coaching hub, records only 7.2 per cent participation, while southern states, despite strong school systems, show relatively low levels of private tutoring. 

Drivers behind the growth 
 
Analysts say several factors are driving this parallel system. Increasing competition for entrance into universities and prestigious schools has pressured parents to invest in extra tuition from an early age. The spread of digital learning platforms and online coaching has also made it easier for students in remote areas to access high-quality instruction. 

Implications for education system 
 
The rise of private coaching raises questions about the role of formal schooling and educational equity. Experts caution that while tutoring can boost academic outcomes, it may exacerbate inequalities, as wealthier families can afford extensive coaching. Conversely, the rapid uptake in rural regions and smaller towns suggests that affordable coaching options are helping bridge some gaps, particularly where public schools may lack resources.