Abstract

This study, based on a comprehensive primary survey, investigates whether gender is an important variable when parents choose shadow educational options for their children at the secondary education level in Haryana, India. The findings show that 43.93 percent of sampled students accessed shadow education during 2018-19. The existence of shadow education at this level has reinforced gender-based inequalities. While 56.52 percent of male students attended private tuition, only 33.71 percent of female students did so. Analysis of household spending on secondary education in Haryana also reveals a strong pro-male gender bias. The study highlights the role of socio-economic and gender factors in determining access to private supplementary education.