The Great Indian School Admission Circus

Every year, metro city parents embark on a journey more gruelling than an Olympic decathlon—securing school admission for their toddlers. In Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, getting a child into a prestigious school isn’t just about filling out forms; it’s about proving your worth as a parent, a citizen, and, let’s be honest, a well-connected individual.? Getting your child into a good school is stressful and a phase where the routine of the family revolves around that one goal – ADMISSION

The process starts with the infamous queues. Parents, who once mocked their own parents for standing in ration lines, now find themselves in a similar plight—only this time, it’s not for rice and sugar but for an elusive Admission Form. Some even camp outside schools like devoted fans at a rock concert, only to be told later that “forms are available online.” But let’s be real—filling an online form doesn’t mean your kid gets in. It’s just Step 1 in the grand, multi-layered Admission Hunger Games. Also standing in line for hours is considered part of the circus so most do it with no cribs and hangups.

Then comes the next level—proving that your child is the chosen one. Because let’s face it, merit doesn’t begin in Grade 1; it begins in the womb. Some schools ask for proof of ‘cultural exposure,’ as if your toddler needs to have attended the Jaipur Literature Festival before learning ABCs. Others demand “legacy” admissions—meaning if you don’t have alumni status, you better have a relative who plays golf with the trustee. And if that fails, there’s always the “donation” route, where lakhs of rupees magically transform an ‘unqualified’ child into an ‘excellent fit’ overnight. Influence, money power and contacts work magic , while those with none of these just wait in line day after day or at most reach the gates to be told “no admissions”

And let’s not forget the great influence game. Politicians, CEOs, actors, and anyone with a title longer than their name have a separate VIP entrance situated at the backdoor to the admission process. For the rest, the struggle continues—sweaty, desperate, and filled with hopeful prayers.

In the end, some lucky parents get the golden ticket, while others start considering relocation to towns where school admissions don’t feel like reality TV elimination rounds. And now, as I stand across the street, watching a fresh batch of anxious parents begin their battle. Dear parents, keep your resumes ready, your contacts handy, and your wallets open—because in India’s metro cities, getting a school admission is not just a process; it’s an extreme sport.

?I smile to myself while noticing this line from across the road. I have crossed this hurdle, dusted off this role Hiranandani Foundation School in this lifetime, and can finally breathe easy. Thank God! A journey with great memories , a big part of my kid's journey Kalyani Patnaik

Circus or no circus – once the child gets in and is admitted into this prestigious school – that is when the real circus begins both for the child and the parent.? This goes on for over a decade and after.?? Who said there is a full stop to parenting.?? It’s a life long circus!

#schooladmission #admissionqueues #parentingrole #grabwhatyoucan