Do your homework before rushing for admission: Experts to parents

In their desperation to get their wards admitted to better schools, parents often fail to do background checks, say experts. They say many parents repent later saying the child is unable to cope up with the studies or they can't afford the fees.

There is also a growing affinity towards going for English medium schools. They fear so much about not getting admission later that they don't ask any questions about the functioning of the school or status of its recognition.

Vijay Dhavale, whose two kids are studying in an international school, is one of the victims of this misplaced notion. "Many parents don't even know the meaning of recognition. In my case, I am fighting against the steep hike in fees by my children's school."

Education expert Arundhati Chavan, who is also the president of United Forum Parents Teachers Association, said, "Barely 20% parents take the pain of inquiring about the school before going for admission of their kids. Most parents often fall prey to sweet talks by private schools. Their eyes open only after the school starts hiking fees every year."