Free coaching is a patch, not a cure for India’s schools
The article critiques the Indian government's reliance on free coaching classes as a solution for competitive exam pressures, arguing it fails to address systemic school infrastructure issues. It suggests that digital learning platforms require independent audits and that hybrid models, like those in Tamil Nadu, may offer better alternatives.
Why it matters
The piece highlights the ongoing debate over educational equity and the effectiveness of government-led digital interventions in India's school system.
At a recent webinar by The Hindu on competency-based assessment in schools, Gaurika Kapoor, who passed Class 12 this year as a district topper, said such tightening of exams only leads to coaching classes. It was a telling indictment of our school system and a reflection of how a focus on just outcomes without creating the infrastructure and training of teachers can only lead to skews such as the current excessive importance to coaching classes.
At Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his promise of providing free coaching classes for passing competitive exams as a solution to the drain that such coaching for NEET or JEE imposes on families. India does have several digital learning platforms such as Diksha and Swayam, which have made a dent, the former especially with helping teachers.
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