In a country where school bells often define a student’s day, a small but growing number of Indian families are choosing ‘homeschooling’. The concept is quietly finding its place in Indian homes and gaining traction, especially across cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune. However, in cities like Nagpur, homeschooling remains a less-travelled path. But for a handful of families here, it is a conscious choice. The decision to homeschool often stems from a desire to create a customised learning environment that suits a child’s personality, interests, and pace. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, some parents shared their journey of stepping away from the conventional classroom and choosing homeschooling.

 

Milind Sohoni, a father of two, a son and a daughter, shared with ‘The Hitavada’ that while his daughter enjoys attending school, his son had not shown the same enthusiasm in recent years. “We noticed that our son was no longer happy in going to school. He studied in a regular school up to Class VII, but from Class VIII onwards, we decided to switch to homeschooling for him,” explained Sohoni. Contd from page 1 Priya Jha, a mother, who decided to homeschool her daughter during the pandemic, said, “We did not plan on homeschooling from the beginning, but when we saw how she flourished while learning at her own pace, away from the stress of exams and rigid schedules, we realised this method suited her much better.”

 

There are several reasons why parents might consider homeschooling, including a child’s disinterest in regular schooling; creatively inclined; involved in pursuits like athletics and performing arts; special needs; financial constraints; or temporary emergencies. However, it is not ideal for everyone. “Homeschooling demands a lot of self-discipline from both the parent and the child. It might not work well for children who need external motivation or for parents who are unable to dedicate the time and energy required,” noted Sohoni. Since transitioning to homeschooling, Sohoni’s son has become more engaged in outdoor activities such as cycling, yoga, and swimming, which he was not very keen on earlier. “However, at present, there is still limited social acceptance when a child does not attend a conventional school,” expressed Sohoni. “Some children thrive in structured environments, and for them, regular school is the best choice,” stated Kalyani Das, a mother, and advised other parents that along with considering various factors, the decision to homeschool should be primarily based on the child’s interest.

 

A common concern among parents is that homeschooling may lack the discipline and structured routine of traditional schooling. But as Priya Jha noted, “Every method of education comes with its own advantages and challenges. While the teaching pattern may not resemble that of a regular school, that flexibility is in fact one of homeschooling’s strengths, it allows including activities that genuinely interest the child, enabling learning through experience.” In India, the concept of homeschooling is still emerging. One major concern is socialisation, often the first question parents hear when they say they homeschool. Shalikram Kukade, retired Deputy Education Officer, Maharashtra State, opined that children need to socialise and learn how to adjust to situations and that can only happen when they step out of the comfort of home, even if just for a few hours. “Schools offer children various real-life learning experiences. Children learn valuable life lessons through both good and bad experiences with classmates. They face daily challenges, experience failures, understand real world competition, and engage in self-assessment when surrounded by peers of varied abilities.

 

They observe traffic patterns, become familiar with city routes, and pick up on numerous practical aspects of everyday life,” explained Kukade. Kukade acknowledged that homeschooled children may also learn these lessons, but noted that parents have to take on multiple roles to ensure that their child’s overall development is not compromised. “Parents of homeschooled children in the same city should consider forming small learning groups, 10 to 15 children, where they can share teaching responsibilities. This would balance personalised learning and peer interaction, giving children a chance to communicate, collaborate, and participate in group activities,” he suggested. Also, one confusion is that homeschooled children do not give exams or earn recognised certifications. In India, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), a Government-recognised board, provides a structured path for students opting for homeschooling.

 

Children can enroll in NIOS till Class XII and appear for exams in subjects of their choice. This provides flexibility, but not a complete exemption from assessment. “Homeschooling does not mean no exams. My son still follows a curriculum and has to appear for exams. The only difference is, he has some freedom in choosing subjects and need not appear for every term exam like in traditional schools,” explained Sohoni. NIOS even offers alternative subjects like painting, Indian music, and home science. “The certificates by NIOS are accepted by colleges and universities across India for undergraduate admissions,” added Sohoni. While homeschooling in India is still a niche, it is slowly gaining recognition. With the rise of digital resources, more informed parents, and the Government offering support, the path is becoming more accessible. However, for parents considering it, the choice should be guided not by trends or pressures, but by the child’s needs.