After the admission rush, parents do the fee math

Those applying for nursery admissions for academic year 2013-14 in the general category would have to spend anywhere between Rs 15,000 and 40,000, if they manage to secure a seat for their ward.

Schools raise tuition fee by 10 per cent almost every year owing to "inflation and other reasons".

In addition to the admission fee, most schools charge from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 a month. Expenses for co-curricular activities may go up to Rs 15,000 per annum.

These are last year's figures and are likely to go up this session as schools are yet to finalise fee structure for the coming year.

A survey by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India says spending on a single child's primary/secondary education has gone up from Rs 55,000 in 2008 to over Rs 1,20,000 in 2012.

The survey finds that the spending was "on such items and activities as integral to the school curriculum — such as fees, transport, books, uniform, stationery, building fund, educational trips, extra tuitions and extracurricular activities".

The random-sample survey "Parents distrustful of rising education cost of their wards", states that "parents invest, on an average, 50 per cent of their income in their children's education".

Directorate of Education answers parents' queries

Unreasonable parameters, such as noble cause

DOE: "Schools shall develop and adopt criteria for admission which shall be clear, well defined, equitable, non discriminatory and unambiguous". Schools should not include parameters based on financial and educational status of parents.

Minimum age of candidate

DOE: "Three years by 31st March of the year in which admission is being sought"

Maximum age of applicant

DOE: Upper age limit is "being deliberated by the government"

Application fee

DOE:Parents should not be forced to buy prospectus. "Only Rs 25 (non-refundable) can be charged as admission registration fee from the parents"

Quantum of minimum seats at entry level

DOE:The number of seats at entry level "shall not be less than the highest number of seats at the entry level class during the previous three years"

EWS and disadvantaged groups

DOE:Prescribed Performa should be made available to all applicants. All forms must bee accepted "irrespective of distance of residence form school"

Documents for proof of residence

DOE: Ration card in the name of either of the parent, including the name of the child. Domicile certificate of the child or parents. Voter ID card (EPIC) of any parent. Electricity, MTNL phone or water bills. Passport of any parent or the child.

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