Cheapest Education in India: The rising cost of education has become a major concern for families these days. Many people are apprehensive when they hear about the fees of private colleges and universities, but the good news is that even today, there are many schools in India where education can be very affordable. If you or your child wants a good education at a low cost, this article is for you. Here's where education is the cheapest in India...

Where is the cheapest education in India?

The Kerala government has taken a major step in the 2026 budget. Now, tuition fees will be waived until graduation in government and aided arts and science colleges. This means that students pursuing undergraduate courses after 12th grade will no longer have to worry about fees. The government has also allocated a large budget for education and scholarships, so that children from economically disadvantaged families can also pursue further education. This step is a great relief for students who were previously unable to attend college due to financial constraints. If you live in Kerala or are planning to study there, this could be a golden opportunity for you.

Which Colleges Offer the Most Affordable Education?

Many colleges within Delhi University offer very low tuition fees. Some colleges charge less than ₹1,000 for an entire course. These include St. Stephen's College, Hindu College, Miranda House, Kirori Mal College, and Shri Ram College of Commerce. While the fees are quite low, admission isn't easy. The cut-off is quite high. If you have good grades, you may have the opportunity to study at one of the country's top colleges for a low fee.

Which Schools Offer the Most Affordable Education?

1. Sainik Schools

Indian military schools also offer good education at low fees. If your child is going to join the military, a Sainik School can be a good option. Some of the country's leading Sainik Schools include Sainik School Imphal, Sainik School Bhubaneswar, Sainik School Kapurthala, Sainik School Chittorgarh, and Sainik School Sujanpur Tira. Annual fees can range from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. Admission requires an entrance exam. Along with good academics, discipline is also instilled here.

2. Navodaya Vidyalaya

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya provides accommodation and meals along with education. A monthly mess fee is required, which is significantly lower than that of private schools. This is an excellent option for children in rural areas. Admission requires an entrance test. The fees here are ₹1,587 per month for mess, or just ₹14,283 per year. Additionally, ₹353 per month is paid for other expenses.

3. Kendriya Vidyalaya
Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS) schools are present in almost every state and have very low fees. These schools are considered the best for education due to their affiliation with the Government of India and the CBSE. The admission fee is ₹25, tuition fees for 9th and 10th grades are ₹200, and fees for 11th and 12th grades are ₹300. Additionally, computer fees and fees vary for different streams. This means you can study from first to 12th grade for just 500 rupees a month.

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