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Sikar has long been renowned for its educational heritage. For years, students from this region dominated Rajasthan’s merit lists; however, the true genesis of its coaching industry is generally traced back to 1996.

Sikar Coaching Hub: Rajasthan’s Sikar has become a nationwide talking point these days. On one hand, the stellar results in the NEET 2024 and NEET 2025 examinations have transformed this small city into the country’s new coaching hub; yet, on the other, the “Sikar connection” that has surfaced in the recent NEET 2026 paper leak scandal has raised serious questions regarding the integrity of this new model. While Kota was once considered the undisputed epicenter for medical and engineering entrance exam preparation, the rapid pace at which Sikar has carved out its own identity over the past few years has captured the attention of the entire education sector. Today, we explain exactly how Sikar managed to surpass Kota and how this city has evolved into the new “coaching factory” of the nation.

How Did Sikar’s Coaching Journey Begin?

Sikar, a prominent district within the Shekhawati region, has long been celebrated for its educational legacy. Students from this area maintained a dominant presence in Rajasthan’s merit lists for many years; however, the actual inception of the coaching industry here is generally dated to 1996, when academic instruction began on a local level with small batches of students. Subsequently, institutions such as CLC scaled up these efforts, expanding the industry significantly. According to locals, the coaching model for medical and engineering entrance exams was established in Sikar after observing and drawing inspiration from the success achieved by Kota. Gradually, institutes in Sikar began to yield impressive results, attracting students from across the entire state to the city. This transformative shift has occurred with remarkable speed over the last 8 to 10 years.

Sikar’s Rapid Transformation Post-COVID

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikar’s coaching model experienced an even more accelerated phase of growth. Areas such as Piprali Road and Nawalgarh Road—which, just a few years ago, were sparsely populated—are now teeming with massive coaching institutes, student hostels, and libraries. According to hostel operators, the city currently houses over 3,000 hostels, alongside a vast number of Paying Guest (PG) accommodations. The current situation is such that, in addition to Rajasthan, students from several other states—including Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab—are now flocking to this region. Coaching institutes here claim that students benefit from a superior learning environment, characterized by smaller batch sizes that allow for personalized attention, as well as lower costs.

NEET Results Bring Newfound Recognition

Sikar garnered significant national attention when its students delivered stellar performances in the NEET 2024 and NEET 2025 examinations. According to statistics, the number of students scoring over 700 marks in Sikar in 2024 was double that of Kota. Furthermore, the sheer volume of students scoring between 600 and 650 marks left everyone astonished. Compared to Sikar, Kota’s statistics lagged significantly behind—a fact that has led to Sikar being hailed across the country as the “New Coaching King.” Although Kota remains a major educational hub in the country, Sikar is rapidly emerging as a formidable competitor.

Why Are Students Losing Faith in Kota?

There was a time when preparing for medical and engineering entrance exams was synonymous solely with Kota. However, the landscape is now gradually shifting. According to experts, the rising number of student suicides, intense competition, and exorbitant costs in Kota are compelling parents to explore alternative options. While the annual expenditure per student in Kota typically ranges from ₹4 to ₹5 lakhs, the corresponding cost in Sikar is estimated to fall between ₹2.5 and ₹3 lakhs. For middle-class families, this financial disparity has emerged as a major deciding factor. Consequently, over the past few years, a significant number of students have opted to leave Kota and head to Sikar instead.