The new academic session that started on April 1, 2026, has presented serious financial problems to families in the whole of Pakistan. The cost of education has gone high so that now besides inflation, parents are strained by the cost of textbooks to transport.
According to the recent market surveys, school related costs have rocketed up in all categories and thus it is hard to curb back-to-school expenses among the middle and low income families.
Why Education Costs Are Rising
The sharp increase in school expenses is mainly due to:
- Rising prices of imported paper
- Overall inflation in manufacturing and retail sectors
- Increased fuel costs affecting transport and logistics
Breakdown of Stationery and Textbook Prices
Booksellers across Pakistan have revised prices for the 2026 session.
Textbooks:
- Price increase of Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per grade (Class 1 to Matric)
Stationery:
- Markers and colors increased by up to 70%
Current Price Range:
- Practical Notebooks: Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 2,500
- Standard Notebooks: Rs. 150 – Rs. 500
- Scientific Calculators: Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 5,000
Rising Costs of Uniforms and School Bags
Parents are also facing higher costs for essential items outside the classroom:
- School Uniforms: Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 5,000
- School Bags: Up to Rs. 7,000
School Transport Charges Surge
One of the biggest concerns is the increase in transport fees.
Key Changes:
- Monthly charges increased by 100% to 150%
- Transport that previously cost Rs. 3,000 now costs around Rs. 7,000
This rise is mainly linked to higher fuel prices, making daily commuting more expensive for students.
Private School Fees and Hidden Costs
The private education sector has also revised its fee structure for 2026.
Fee Overview:
- Low-tier schools:
- Admission: Rs. 2,500
- Monthly Fee: Rs. 1,500
- Elite schools:
- Admission: Rs. 8,500 – Rs. 10,000
Major Concern:
Many schools require parents to:
- Purchase uniforms from specific shops
- Buy books from designated vendors
Impact on Middle-Class Families
The rising cost of education is hitting middle-income families the hardest.
Key Concerns:
- Difficulty managing upfront academic expenses
- Increased financial stress due to inflation
- Risk of students shifting from private to government schools
Education experts warn that if this trend continues, it could lead to:
- Higher dropout rates
- Reduced access to quality education
Calls for Government Action
Parents and experts are urging authorities in Pakistan to take action:
- Regulate prices of paper and stationery
- Monitor private school fee structures
- Control transport fare increases
- Ensure fair access to educational resources
Such measures are considered essential to keep education affordable.
The increase in school education expenditure in April 2026 shows an emerging burden to families in the entirety of Pakistan. As prices rise in all areas of education, books included to transport, there are many households that can not afford.
The situation can deteriorate without the intervention, not only because of the impact on the family budgets, but also because of the access of students to education. Affordability and accessibility should be maintained to guarantee the future of the education system of the country.
