Most schools in the city have failed to display the fee structure at their premises and on websites, even as the deadline for doing so was fixed for June 10. While some matriculation and government-aided institutions in the city have at least displayed the fee structure near their office, other school boards such as CBSE, ICSE, Cambridge, and IB have not displayed anything.Recently, the Directorate of Private Schools, had directed all private schools of various boards to display their fee structure at the entrance prominently by June 5 and on their websites by June 10. This directive came after the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission directed the department to ensure that all schools display class-wise fee structures at their entrances, websites, and on the admission forms.Compliance reportThe Commission had asked for a compliance report from the Education Department on June 15.The Hindu visited over 15 schools of CBSE, Matriculation, ICSE, Cambridge, and IB boards across the city with most schools furnishing the fee details only when requested for a specific class. A security guard who has been working at a prominent CBSE school in the city for five years claimed that he was not aware of the range of the fees and the fee structure was not displayed on the campus.At another prominent International Board school, fees would only be notified after an appointment to meet the authorities is granted from the school.Rekha (name changed), a parent of two children said, “If all schools implement this, it will help those seeking admission for their children. Parents can compare the fees and decide which school is suitable for them. Instead, this information is usually available only at school offices.”A private school in Gopalapuram had displayed a fee structure showing that the total cost for new admissions ranged from ₹61,000 for pre-KG to ₹79,136 for Classes IX and X, with a breakdown of the application fee, admission fee, tuition fee, development fund, and uniform charges.Some schools, including a primary school in Pulianthope and an ICSE school in Teynampet, displayed only the total fee amount. structureA staff member at a private boys’ school said the fee details had been displayed until May, when admissions were actively under way; however, the notice had been removed after the school reopened.Ms. Rekha added that in some schools, only rough figures are provided verbally. “The final amount is disclosed only after admission is confirmed. Donation fees are often unclear, and parents are sometimes charged differently, which is unfair.”The department had directed all the district education officers (private) to inspect and ensure that the fee structure is displayed on campus.Sources in the School Education Department say it has been a difficult task to get the schools of other boards to furnish fee details. “The CBSE bylaws have also instructed that the fees be displayed on their websites but compliance has been poor,” a source noted.An official said, “We have sent three notices regarding the display of fee structure. We will continue to insist that it be displayed.” Published - June 11, 2026 05:00 am IST