New data based on the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) reveals that the total number of private schools in Karnataka has declined by 4% over the last five academic years (2020–21 to 2024–25). This reduction follows broader shifts in school demographics and enrolment patterns but is larger than the national average trend for private school endings.
Across India, the number of private schools changed marginally overall, with some states seeing larger declines and others expansion, but Karnataka’s drop stands out in its region.
📊 1. UDISE Data Shows Decline in Private Schools
According to state UDISE figures:
- Private schools decreased from ~19,915 in 2020–21 to ~19,105 in 2024–25, marking about a 4% decline over five years.
- In comparison, government schools in Karnataka also dipped by about 2% in the same period.
Nationally, the average change in private schools was much smaller (around 0.34%), underscoring that Karnataka and its southern peers are experiencing more pronounced shifts in schooling landscapes.
📉 2. Why Are Private School Numbers Falling?
👉 Demographic Shifts & Lower Birth Rates
Education experts point to declining birth rates and shrinking school-age populations in the state as a key driver of fewer schools being viable — with some facilities recording low or zero enrolments, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
👉 Post-Pandemic School Closures
Even after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many smaller private schools — particularly budget and unaided institutions — have struggled to regain stable admissions or financial footing, leading to closures or closures being reflected in UDISE numbers.
👉 Operational Costs & Regulatory Hurdles
School associations have also pointed towards rising operational costs, staffing challenges, and stringent regulations for recognition and renewals as stress factors for private school sustainability.
📍 3. Broader Education Landscape in the State
Despite the decline in the number of private schools, recent trends and data indicate sector-wide shifts:
- Many private schools are transitioning from state boards to national boards such as CBSE or ICSE to attract students, especially in urban areas.
- Simultaneously, government initiatives such as the Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) model are aimed at improving public sector appeal, potentially offsetting private school demand.
- Enrollment patterns in the state show complex dynamics where some government schools face declining enrollment while private schools also struggle in parts due to fewer children in school-age cohorts.
Taken together, these patterns suggest that the quality and choice of schooling options — including perceived quality, board affiliations, English-medium instruction, and infrastructure — continue to influence parental decisions and school viability in Karnataka.
📌 4. What This Means for Families & Policymakers
🎓 Parents & Students
- Reduced numbers of private schools could mean fewer options near home, especially for families preferring private schooling.
- Parents may face increased competition for seats in remaining schools, or higher fees if enrollment demand does not fall evenly across institutions.
📐 Education Planners & Officials
- Policymakers must balance support for smaller schools at risk of closure with initiatives to strengthen public education quality so students have quality alternatives across sectors.
- Data like these will shape decisions about resource allocation, infrastructure planning, and regulatory reform for school recognition and sustainability.
