Private schools across Dakshina Kannada, India, have implemented substantial fee increases for the current academic year, with hikes ranging from ₹3,500 to ₹10,000 per student. This increase, estimated between 8% and 15%, has raised concerns among parents already struggling with inflation. For instance, a parent of a child in a CBSE school reported an increase from ₹46,000 to ₹52,000 in annual fees. Many parents noted that previous hikes were much smaller, typically between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000. Additionally, parents are facing rising costs for transport, uniforms, and books, with monthly transport charges expected to range between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500. School officials argue that the fee revisions are necessary to cover rising operational costs, including higher salaries for teachers and increased utility expenses. To alleviate financial pressure, many schools are offering installment payment plans, which have become essential for families facing economic challenges, including those affected by job losses linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.