Bengaluru sees closure of 762 private schools in five years

Bengaluru’s private education sector is facing a major crisis, with 762 private schools shutting down over the past five years—a staggering 26% of those approved to operate. Government data reveals that between the 2019-20 and 2023-24 academic years, the Department of School Education and Literacy sanctioned 2,905 private unaided schools, of which 762 ceased operations.

Bengaluru South witnessed 255 new schools with 85 shutting down. Similarly, Bengaluru North approved 75 schools, but 56 closed within five years.

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School managements cite stringent post-2018 regulations and alleged harassment by local authorities as key factors. Reasons behind closure include challenges such as the mandatory half-acre land requirement for new schools and approvals from multiple departments, including fire safety and building planning.

Budget schools affiliated with the state board were hit hardest. Many closures were also attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a sharp decline in student enrollments due to the migration of families.

Additionally, the rise of franchise-based chain schools and corporate-run institutions has drawn parents away from state board schools. The growing number of CBSE and ICSE schools has further marginalized state board schools, which some claim face local-level discrimination.

The cost of establishing new schools, estimated at ₹20 crore, and maintaining minimum student strength remain daunting challenges.