The start of the new academic session has brought an unwelcome reality for many families, as the cost of sending children to school continues to climb. What was once a routine yearly expense now feels like a major financial challenge, especially for middle- and lower-income households.
Booksellers say textbook prices for classes 1 to matric have increased by Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per grade, mainly due to higher costs of imported paper and printing.
Textbooks & Stationery Prices
| Item | Current Price Range |
|---|---|
| Textbooks (Class 1-Matric) | Rs. 100 – Rs. 500 increase per grade |
| Ordinary Notebooks | Rs. 150 |
| Medium Quality Notebooks | Rs. 250 |
| High Quality Notebooks | Up to Rs. 500 |
| Practical Notebooks (Matric) | Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 2,500 |
| Geometry Boxes | Rs. 500 – Rs. 1,000 |
| Calculators | Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 5,000 |
Stationery vendors say prices of colors and markers have increased by nearly 70%, making everyday school supplies significantly more expensive.
Uniforms, Bags & Shoes
| Item | Current Price Range |
|---|---|
| School Uniform | Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 5,000 |
| Shoes | Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 4,000 |
| School Bags | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 7,000 |
Retailers link the increase to higher production and material costs, with demand peaking just before the start of the school year.
Transport Charges
| Service Type | Current Cost |
|---|---|
| Pick-and-Drop | Rs. 6,500 – Rs. 7,000 |
School Fee Structure
| School Category | Admission Fee | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Low-tier | Rs. 2,500 | Rs. 1,500 |
| Mid-range | Rs. 4,000 – Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 2,500 |
| Elite Schools | Rs. 8,500 – Rs. 10,000 | – |
