Kota: India’s coaching capital status is fading

Kota, once hailed as India’s premier coaching hub for competitive exams like JEE and NEET, has indeed seen its shine dim in recent years due to a combination of factors. The city, which historically attracted over 200,000 students annually from across the country, is grappling with a significant decline in student numbers, a tarnished reputation, and an evolving educational landscape.

One major reason for this shift is the alarming rise in student suicides, which has cast a dark shadow over Kota’s image. In 2023, 26 students reportedly took their lives, and though official figures show a 50% decline to 17 in 2024, the early months of 2025 have already seen multiple incidents, with at least seven suicides reported by mid-March. This persistent mental health crisis has fueled negative publicity, prompting parents and students to reconsider Kota as a safe destination for exam preparation. The pressure-cooker environment, coupled with intense competition and isolation from family, has been widely criticized.

Another factor is the decentralization of the coaching industry. Major institutes like Allen and others have expanded to cities like Delhi-NCR, Bilaspur, and beyond, offering students alternatives closer to home. The rise of online coaching platforms has further eroded Kota’s dominance, allowing aspirants to access quality education without relocating. This shift has led to a sharp drop in enrollments—down from 2–2.5 lakh students annually to 85,000–1 lakh in 2024—slashing the city’s coaching-related revenue from ₹6,500–7,000 crore to around ₹3,500 crore.

Stricter regulations have also played a role. While aimed at improving student welfare, some state and center government rules have disrupted the traditional Kota model, deterring institutes and students. Additionally, the ‘Kota Cares’ initiative, launched in late 2024, offers mental health support and recreational facilities, but its impact remains uncertain as the city struggles to shed its grim reputation.

Economically, the decline has hit hard. With hostel occupancy at 60–70% and rents plummeting from ₹15,000 to as low as ₹2,000 per month, the 4,000+ hostels and 40,000 PG accommodations are reeling. Local businesses, from auto drivers to tea sellers, feel the pinch as the student-driven economy contracts. Efforts to diversify into IT hubs or other industries are underway, but they’re yet to offset the losses.

Despite these challenges, some argue Kota’s unique ecosystem—its teaching quality and focused environment—still holds value. Stakeholders remain hopeful that reforms and a rebound in student trust could revive its fortunes. However, as of March 20, 2025, the city’s once-unassailable status as India’s coaching capital is undeniably fading, overshadowed by tragedy, competition, and change.