Soaring costs hit college admissions

New admissions to first-year classes in colleges across Rawalpindi district are feared to witness a record decline due to the rising prices of textbooks, expensive admission and monthly fees at private colleges, uniforms and pick-and-drop charges, which have also exceeded tuition fees.

For the same reasons, a record decline has also been witnessed in initial hostel admissions to major and old colleges of Rawalpindi by students from other districts.

This has raised fears of a significant increase in the dropout rate among girls after matriculation, while boys' admissions are also expected to decline compared to previous years.

The traditional rush at colleges during first-year admissions is also missing this year. Students seeking admission to first-year (11th grade) classes at private and some semi-government colleges across Rawalpindi are being charged heavy fees, admission charges and additional costs, creating serious financial difficulties for parents.

In addition to tuition fees, private colleges are demanding large amounts in the name of academies, registration and various funds. Admissions to government colleges are conducted at comparatively lower fees under a central policy, but seats there are limited.

Amid inflation, these additional and hidden expenses charged by private educational institutions are becoming unaffordable for the middle class. The prices of textbooks have also recorded a sharp increase this year.

Booksellers said paper had also become record expensive. A complete set of first-year (11th grade) books is available in the market for around Rs9,000 to Rs12,000, while individual books cost between Rs800 and Rs1,300.

Educational institutions are prohibited from forcing students to buy expensive books and uniforms from specific shops, and the Competition Commission takes action against such institutions. However, private publications and their books are expensive.

Schools or colleges pressuring students to purchase specific uniforms or expensive books from a particular shop is illegal.

The government and relevant institutions take notice of excessive prices and forced purchases, but no such action has been taken so far.

Fresh college uniform rates vary according to size and quality. Generally, a suit or shirt and shalwar costs Rs1,100 to Rs1,850, a dupatta Rs700 and shalwar or trousers Rs770 to Rs1,050. College sweaters or coats are sold for Rs2,000 to Rs3,000.

In addition, college stationery has become twice as expensive compared to last year. College registers cost Rs500 to Rs700, notebooks Rs450 to Rs500, calculators Rs5,000 to Rs10,000 and computer copies Rs600. College uniform shoes cost between Rs2,500 and Rs5,000.