Private coaching in India has grown into a parallel education system. It is no longer just extra help after school, but the backbone of learning for millions of students.

In the last seven years, tuition has surged across all levels - from primary to higher secondary. Among rural girls in higher secondary, the rise is especially sharp, while States in the east like West Bengal, and Odisha are seeing some of the highest numbers, with coaching starting as early as Kindergarten.

In some cases, families are spending more on tuition than on school itself.

The podcast explores the factors contributing to this dependence on private tuition in the east. What does it say about the state of our schools? And how is this reshaping education in India?

Guest: Sabir Ahamed, Programme Director at the Pratichi Institute

Host: Devyanshi Bihani

Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian

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