Hyderabad:With forms made available at most major schools, Hyderabad schools have begun the admission process for the 2025-26 academic year. However, parents have raised concerns over unresolved issues related to fee hikes, interviews and the enforcement of government regulations.
Parents allege that private schools continue to conduct interviews for students and parents despite the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009 explicitly prohibiting the screening procedures for children aged 6 to 14.
A parent seeking admission for their primary school-aged child, said, "I had to give interviews for my child’s admission in a few minority schools. Despite the RTE Act, these practices continue."
The promise of a random selection process, such as a draw of lots for oversubscribed schools, is also being questioned. "The draw system is a myth. Admissions are being granted through interviews under different names," another parent claimed, their child is seeking admission to Class VIII. Many feel this practice makes education exclusionary.
Asif Sohail, president of the Telangana Parents Association for Child Rights and Safety, notes, “Why the criterion of a child’s admission is the education of the parents? Uneducated parents also want to admit their children to good schools.”
In May this year, the district educational officer issued an order prohibiting schools from selling uniforms and books on their premises or enforcing the purchase of these items from specific vendors. However, parents complain that such practices still persist.
A parent noted, "Uniforms and books were supposed to be optional, but schools continue to enforce their sale. From socks to bags, parents are compelled to buy everything from the school or designated vendors. In fact, they also discourage children from using their siblings' items."
She also mentioned that schools charge additional fees for late admissions and reserve seats by demanding early registration. "Schools are asking for full registration fees, even before the year ends," she said, adding, "It’s `500 to `1,000 just for registration.” The fee regulation remains a concern for parents. "Fees are increasing every year and the government has ignored it so far," said Asif Sohail.
Despite the Telangana government’s announcement in 2024 to establish a School Fee Regulatory Committee, progress has been slow. Parents claim some schools have increased fees by up to 60 per cent for some grades.
