Kota, Rajasthan, long celebrated as India’s premier coaching hub for engineering and medical aspirants, is experiencing a significant decline in student enrollments. Traditionally, the city attracted approximately 2 to 2.5 lakh students annually. However, recent figures indicate a sharp drop, with current enrollments estimated between 85,000 to 1 lakh students. This downturn has profoundly impacted the local economy, particularly affecting coaching centers, hostels, and ancillary businesses that thrived on the influx of students.
everal factors contribute to this decline. The alarming rise in student suicides has cast a shadow over Kota’s reputation as a safe educational destination. In response, the Ministry of Education implemented guidelines prohibiting the enrollment of students below 16 years of age in coaching centers. Additionally, the expansion of coaching institutes to other cities has provided students with alternatives closer to home, reducing the necessity to relocate to Kota. The emergence of online education platforms offering flexible and accessible preparation methods has further diminished the allure of traditional, location-based coaching centers.
The economic ramifications of declining student numbers are evident. The annual revenue generated by Kota’s coaching industry has decreased from an estimated ₹6,500-7,000 crore to approximately ₹3,500 crore. Hostels, once bustling with occupants, now report reduced occupancy rates, leading to financial strain. Local businesses, including eateries, stationery shops, and recreational centers that once thrived on student patronage, are experiencing decreased revenues.
In response to these challenges, stakeholders are exploring various strategies. The Rajasthan government has proposed the “Rajasthan Coaching Centre (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025,” aiming to regulate the coaching industry and address concerns related to student well-being. However, some coaching institutes have expressed apprehensions about potential adverse effects on their operations due to certain provisions in the bill. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on transforming Kota into an IT hub, leveraging existing educational infrastructure to attract technology companies and create employment opportunities.
Despite the current downturn, many stakeholders remain hopeful that with appropriate interventions and adaptations, Kota can rejuvenate its status as a leading educational destination. The city’s resilience and commitment to providing quality education continue to be its cornerstone, and efforts are underway to address the challenges and restore its prominence in the educational landscape.
