Daycare and preschool fees explained: admission, monthly, annual and hidden costs
Daycare fees explained: admission, registration, deposits, monthly and annual plans, meals, transport and extras, plus questions to ask about refunds.
Daycare and preschool fees in India usually have three layers: one-time charges at admission, a regular fee (monthly, quarterly or annual), and extras such as meals, transport and activities. The headline monthly fee rarely tells you the full cost. Ask for every charge in writing before you pay anything.
Here is what each fee means, what to ask about it, and how to compare centres fairly.
One-time fees
These are paid when you enrol. They can add up to a large sum before your child's first day.
Registration or application fee
A small fee to process your application or hold an assessment visit. It is usually non-refundable.
Ask: Is this adjusted against the admission fee if we join?
Admission fee
A one-time fee to confirm your child's place. At premium centres it can be substantial. For example, one premium chain's one-time admission fee is listed at about ₹28,000 on Kiddenz.
Ask: Is any of it refundable if we withdraw before the start date? Does it cover only this year, or the whole time my child is at the centre?
Security deposit (caution money)
A refundable amount held against damage or unpaid fees.
Ask: When is it refunded, how, and what can be deducted? Get the answer in writing.
Regular fees
Monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annual plans
Most centres let you pay at different intervals. Paying for a longer period upfront sometimes earns a discount. It also means more money at stake if you leave early.
Ask: What is the total yearly cost on each plan? What happens to advance fees if we leave mid-term?
Half-day vs full-day
Daycares often charge differently for half-day and full-day care. A preschool plus afternoon daycare may be billed as two separate fees.
Ask: If my child does preschool in the morning and daycare after, what is the combined monthly cost?
Extras and hidden costs
These are the charges parents most often miss. Some centres include them; others bill separately.
| Extra | What to check |
|---|---|
| Meals and snacks | Included, or a separate monthly charge? |
| Transport | Cost by distance? Is there a female attendant on the van? |
| Extended hours | Cost per hour, or a flat late fee? |
| Annual or activity charges | Books, stationery, uniforms, events, field trips |
| Summer and holiday care | Included in the plan, or charged as a camp? |
| Nappies, wipes and bedding | Do you supply them, or are they charged? |
| Fee increases | How much did fees rise last year? When is the next increase? |
Late pickup fees deserve a close look if your work hours are unpredictable. A few late evenings a month can add up quickly.
Refunds, notice and withdrawal
This is where misunderstandings happen. Ask these before you pay:
- How much notice must we give to withdraw?
- If we pay quarterly or annually, are unused months refunded?
- Is the security deposit returned in full, and how soon?
- What happens if the centre closes, moves or changes timings?
- Are fees charged during long absences, such as illness or travel?
Get the answers in writing, ideally in the fee receipt or admission form. A good centre is happy to put its policies on paper.
What a typical fee range looks like
Fees vary widely by city, area and type of centre. As one example, Gurgaon listings on Kiddenz show a median of about ₹55,400 a year. The range runs from about ₹16,000 to ₹2 lakh a year.
Our guide to preschool and daycare fees in Gurgaon goes area by area. If you live in Gurgaon, the Gurgaon daycare guide covers fee bands alongside other things to check.
What drives the price
Higher fees often reflect location, rent, building size, brand and facilities. They don't always mean better care.
What usually matters more for your child: stable, trained staff, a good ratio of adults to children, and a centre that communicates well. A modest centre that gets these right can be better value than a premium one that doesn't.
How to compare fees fairly
Comparing monthly fees alone can mislead you. One centre's lower fee may exclude meals and transport. Another's higher fee may include everything.
To compare properly:
- Ask each centre for its full fee sheet in writing.
- Add every one-time and recurring charge to get a first-year total.
- Note what is included: meals, hours, holidays, materials.
- Compare refund and notice terms, not just prices.
- Put it all in one table. Our daycare comparison scorecard gives you a template.
Fees are one part of the decision. Our complete daycare checklist covers the rest, from safety to staff.
When Kribble launches, you'll be able to see admission, monthly, quarterly and annual plans side by side. You'll also be able to pay fees in the app, with receipts and reminders.
Frequently asked questions
Are daycare admission fees refundable?
Usually not, though it depends on the centre. Some refund part of it if you withdraw before the start date. Always ask, and get the answer in writing before you pay.
Is it better to pay daycare fees monthly or annually?
Annual payment sometimes comes with a discount, but you have more money at risk if you leave early. Monthly payment costs more over time but gives you flexibility. If you're unsure about a centre, start monthly.
What is a security deposit at a daycare?
It is a refundable amount the centre holds against unpaid fees or damage. Ask when and how it is returned, and what can be deducted, before you pay.
Why do daycare fees vary so much?
Location, rent, building, brand and facilities all affect price. Staff quality and ratios matter more for your child, and they don't always track the fee. Compare what is included, not just the headline number.