Corporate schools launch early admission drives in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Corporate schools in the city have begun aggressive admission drives for the 2026–27 academic year, months before annual examinations conclude, drawing criticism from educationists and parent groups.
Several institutions are offering discounts and promotional schemes to attract parents, even as they quote annual fees running into lakhs of rupees. Parents allege that the promised concessions are minimal and largely cosmetic.
Festivals turned into marketing tools
Traditionally, school admissions begin during summer vacations. This year, however, the process has intensified from January itself. Schools have launched campaigns such as “New Year Drive” and “Vasant Panchami Special Drive”, offering slogans like “No donation, free admission” and announcing up to 20% discounts on tuition fees for early enrolment.
Education experts say the process resembles retail sales rather than an academic exercise.
Admissions without recognition continue
Despite repeated warnings from education department officials in Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal–Malkajgiri districts against taking admissions in unrecognised schools, several institutions continue to promote enrolments.
Large hoardings at city junctions, advertisements inside Metro trains, and promotions on television and social media remain widespread. Officials have reiterated that admissions should begin only after annual examination results are declared in April or May.
Under existing norms, January admissions are illegal. Schools are required to display their registration number and recognition certificate on notice boards. Collection of capitation fee is prohibited, managements cannot unilaterally raise fees, and parents cannot be forced to buy books and uniforms from school premises. Parents allege that many institutions routinely violate these rules.
Private schools dominate education landscape
In Greater Hyderabad, including Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal–Malkajgiri districts, more than 70% of students study in private schools.
The region has 7,451 private schools, including 4,550 budget schools, 1,900 corporate and affiliated schools, and 1,001 missionary schools. The rise of corporate schools has led to a steady decline in affordable budget schools catering to lower- and middle-income families.
Officials estimate that over 400 budget private schools have shut down in recent years due to financial constraints, with corporate institutions filling the gap.
Parents caught in early admission trap
Fearing that their children may miss out on seats in reputed schools, many parents are opting for advance admissions and paying thousands of rupees as booking amounts.
Several parents allege that once the academic year begins, schools demand additional payments for fees, books and uniforms, exposing the true cost structure.
Allegations of official inaction
Social activists have accused education department officials of failing to act against illegal admissions and unrecognised schools. They have demanded field-level inspections instead of issuing routine circulars.
Private schools in Greater Hyderabad
Hyderabad district: 2,885 schools (1,800 budget, 650 corporate, 435 international/missionary)
Rangareddy district: 2,711 schools (1,650 budget, 700 corporate, 361 international/missionary)
Medchal–Malkajgiri district: 1,855 schools (1,100 budget, 550 corporate, 205 international/missionary)
