GST services for education.
Education up to higher secondary is largely exempt, but coaching, ed-tech and ancillary services often attract 18%.
About GST for education
Education provided by recognised institutions up to higher secondary, and certain approved courses, are exempt from GST, along with closely related services like transport and mid-day meals for those students. But the picture changes fast outside that core.
Private coaching, competitive-exam tutoring, skill courses and online ed-tech are generally taxable at 18%. Many education businesses straddle both, making correct classification and selective registration the central task.
GST at a glance
- Schooling to higher secondary: exempt
- Coaching & ed-tech: 18%
- Ancillary services may follow the main supply
- Mixed models need careful classification
GST requirements for education
- GST registration if taxable (coaching/ed-tech) turnover crosses the threshold
- Clear split of exempt vs taxable programmes
- Correct SAC codes for taxable courses
- Tax invoices for taxable supplies
- GSTR-1, GSTR-3B and annual return
- Records evidencing exemption eligibility
Our GST services for education
Common GST challenges
How we get you compliant
Consultation
A free call to understand your business and obligations.
Documents
We collect KYC and business proofs, fully online.
Registration
We obtain or update your GSTIN with the department.
Return filing
Monthly or quarterly returns prepared and filed.
Compliance
Ongoing tracking so you never miss a date.
Documents typically required
GST rates for education
| Supply / scenario | GST |
|---|---|
| Schooling up to higher secondary | Exempt |
| Approved/recognised courses | Exempt |
| Private coaching & tutoring | 18% |
| Online courses & ed-tech | 18% |
| Skill & hobby courses | 18% |
Indicative rates, GST law and notifications change over time. Confirm your exact rate with an Expert before invoicing.
Education GST questions
Is GST applicable to schools?
Education up to higher secondary by recognised institutions is exempt from GST, as are certain approved courses and closely related services for those students.
Do coaching institutes pay GST?
Yes, private coaching, competitive-exam preparation and similar tutoring are generally taxable at 18% once turnover crosses the registration threshold.
Is online education (ed-tech) taxable?
Online courses, subscriptions and skill programmes are typically taxable at 18%, as they fall outside the schooling exemption.
What about transport and meals provided by a school?
Services like transport and mid-day meals provided to students of an exempt institution are generally also exempt as ancillary services.
My institute runs both a school and a coaching arm, what do I do?
You classify supplies separately: the schooling arm stays exempt while the coaching arm is taxable and may need registration. We structure and file this correctly.
Do I need to register if I only run exempt education?
If all your supplies are exempt, registration is generally not required, but the moment you add taxable services above the threshold, it is.
Education GST, clearly mapped.
We separate your exempt and taxable programmes and keep the taxable side fully compliant.