The landscape of education in Tiruchi and its environs is rapidly evolving, with a surge in the establishment of private schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Until 2010, Tiruchi boasted fewer than 10 CBSE schools, including two Kendriya Vidyalayas. However, the number has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, with approximately 72 such schools now in the district. Experts predict that this figure could soon surpass the three-digit mark within the next three to five years. Additionally, neighboring districts like Perambalur and Ariyalur host a combined total of 12 CBSE-affiliated schools.
One contributing factor to the proliferation of CBSE schools is the allure of combined IIT-JEE programs offered by some institutions. These schools often collaborate with specialized academies to equip students for success in competitive examinations.
R. Ravichandran, Chairman of the Golden Gates Group of Schools in Perambalur, attributes the growing demand for CBSE schools to the perceived superiority of the CBSE syllabus. This perception, he notes, is driving parents to seek out CBSE-affiliated institutions, prompting private school managements to establish more such schools.
Moreover, several matriculation schools are reportedly awaiting the completion of standard operating procedures to transition to the CBSE stream. The proliferation of CBSE-affiliated schools extends beyond urban centers like Tiruchi to suburban and rural areas such as Manapparai, Thuraiyur, and Lalgudi.
R. Venkatasawamy, Correspondent of V.V. Jayam Paramahamsar Vidhyalaya in Tiruchi, observes that the influx of new schools has intensified competition among institutions, compelling them to invest in high-quality teaching staff to ensure academic excellence.