Kota, India's coaching capital, is facing a worrying downturn as student enrolment numbers drop significantly - a shift that’s sending shockwaves through the city’s tightly knit education-driven economy. From PG accommodations and tiffin services to bookstores and local shops, businesses built around students are struggling to stay afloat.

According to local estimates, admissions in top coaching institutes have fallen by over 25% this year, due to rising mental health concerns, increased scrutiny on student well-being, and the growing popularity of online learning alternatives. In response, coaching centres are resorting to intense marketing tactics - including celebrity endorsements, discounted fees, and hybrid models - to lure students back.

The economic impact is visible: rental vacancies have increased, food vendors report revenue losses, and ancillary services are downsizing. While some institutions have embraced student wellness initiatives to rebuild trust, experts say the golden days of Kota’s coaching boom may be fading unless structural reforms are made.

The decline is no longer just educational - it’s deeply economic.