What a higher-education fee bill looks like at the date your child applies, and what monthly SIP starting today closes the gap. Education inflation in India runs ~10% — well above general CPI — so the future cost is materially larger than parents usually assume.
General CPI inflation in India is anchored at the RBI's 4±2% flexible target. Education inflation — particularly private colleges, board fees, and professional courses — has run materially above general CPI, often 8-12% in published surveys. We default to 10% here because most parents underestimate it.
Cost growth compounds over the period you're saving. A ₹25 lakh degree today is ₹47 lakh in 8 years at 10%, and ₹78 lakh in 12. The difference between 6% and 10% in the inflation assumption is the difference between a comfortable SIP and a difficult one.
For US degrees, the right number is roughly USD education inflation (3-4%) plus expected INR-USD depreciation (~3% historical), which triangulates to similar 6-8% INR-equivalent — but priced on a much higher base. Full methodology · reviewed January 2026.
Educational projection only. MintByte is an AMFI-registered mutual fund distributor (ARN-314872); SEBI Registered Investment Adviser and Research Analyst registrations are in process. Not investment advice.