Over the past decade, Bihar has witnessed a noticeable shift in its education landscape. With government schools struggling due to underfunding, lack of infrastructure, and inconsistent teaching standards, the private education sector has stepped in to fill the gap. But how well is this system really working for the students?
While private schools and coaching institutes in Bihar are booming, questions are rising about the quality, accessibility, and ethics of the model.
A Growing Dependence on Private Schools
In both urban and semi-urban areas of Bihar, private schools are seen as a status symbol and often marketed as “English-medium” or “CBSE-affiliated.” Parents, even in rural pockets, are choosing to send their children to private institutions in hopes of better education and future opportunities.
“My father is a farmer, but he insisted I study in a private school,” says Priya Kumari, a Class 10 student from Muzaffarpur. “He believes government schools don’t care about students.”
This sentiment is echoed across districts like Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga, where private schools outnumber quality public ones. But while enrollment may be high, the outcomes tell a different story.
Quality vs. Cost: A Troubling Trade-off
One of the most significant criticisms of the private education system in Bihar is that it often offers style over substance. Parents pay high fees — sometimes up to ₹2,000–₹5,000 per month — expecting world-class education, but many schools lack trained teachers, proper labs, or even libraries.
“A lot of private schools are just profit-driven,” says Rakesh, a teacher from Sitamarhi. “They hire unqualified staff at low salaries, and students end up memorizing content rather than understanding it.”
Despite this, families continue to invest heavily in private tuition and coaching — particularly for Class 10 and 12 board exams or competitive tests like NEET and JEE.
The Coaching Culture: Boon or Burden?
In districts like Patna and Bhagalpur, the rise of coaching institutes has created an alternative education economy. These centers promise success in entrance exams, but they come at a high cost — often unaffordable for lower-income families.
“Every other student is going to some coaching class,” says Salman, a Class 12 student from Patna. “If you don’t, you feel left behind, even if your school is good.”
This trend also puts immense pressure on students. Many report high levels of stress, burnout, and anxiety — especially when they feel their future depends on cracking one exam.
Accessibility and Inequality
While private schools are flourishing, many students in rural Bihar still struggle to access basic education. The gap between urban private institutions and rural government schools is widening, leading to an education divide based on income and geography.
For students from Dalit and marginalized communities, private education remains mostly out of reach. Even when enrolled, they may face social and economic discrimination.
“We can’t afford fancy schools,” says Kunti Devi, a mother of three from a village near Nalanda. “So my children go to the local government school, but there’s no regular teacher.”
The Way Forward
Experts suggest that while private education has a role to play, it cannot be a substitute for strong public schooling. Regulation of private schools, improved teacher training, and greater investment in rural education are essential to close the gap.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar, an education researcher in Patna, believes the solution lies in balance: “We need to hold private institutions accountable while strengthening our public education system. Only then can we ensure equal learning opportunities for all.”
Conclusion
The private education system in Bihar offers hope for many, but also deepens existing inequalities. For real progress, the focus must shift from shiny school buildings and coaching hype to quality, accessibility, and meaningful learning.
Until then, students in Bihar will continue to navigate a system where education is a commodity — and the cost of learning is paid not just in money, but in missed potential.
