What was once considered a support mechanism for weak students has now turned into a parallel education system, raising important questions about its necessity and impact.
Many students today are attending coaching centres or hiring private tutors, even when they are enrolled in full-time schools. This reflects a lack of trust in formal education, especially in government institutions, where absenteeism of teachers, outdated teaching methods and overcrowded classrooms are common problems.
However, private tuition is not without consequences. It puts a financial burden on middle- and lower-income families, especially those who have multiple school-going children. It also increases academic pressure, leaving students with little time for rest, sports, or creative activities. In some cases, even teachers who work in public schools run their own tuition centres, raising ethical concerns.
That said, private tuition becomes necessary in the absence of quality classroom teaching. In competitive exams like MDCAT, ECAT, CSS, or SPSC, students often feel underprepared without coaching support.
The solution lies in improving the standard of education within schools, training teachers regularly, reducing the student-teacher ratio and ensuring accountability. If schools provide quality education, the dependence on private tuition will naturally decrease.
Tarique Ahmed Shaikh
Shikarpur
