Cost of Living
The cost of living in India varies greatly depending on the region and city, with urban areas typically being more expensive than rural areas. Overall, India is known for having a moderate cost of living, with affordable food, housing, and services compared to many Western countries.
Weather
India has a predominantly tropical climate but also features other climate zones. The north experiences temperate weather, while the south has a tropical monsoon climate. The Himalayan region has a cold, alpine climate. Seasonal monsoons bring heavy rainfall to most of the country from June to September.
Educational System India
The educational system in India is vast and diverse, catering to over 1.3 billion people. It is structured into different levels: pre-primary, primary, upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary. Education in India is overseen by both the central and state governments, with various boards governing school education, including the CBSE, ICSE, and state boards. Children typically start school at the age of 3 or 4 with kindergarten, followed by 1st grade at the age of 6. The primary school runs from 1st to 5th grade, upper primary from 6th to 8th grade, secondary from 9th to 10th grade, and higher secondary from 11th to 12th grade. After completing the 10th grade, students take a set of board exams, which are crucial for determining their academic stream in the higher secondary level, where they choose between arts, commerce, or science streams. The school year in India usually runs from April to March, and the medium of instruction varies, including English, Hindi, and other regional languages. The quality of education can vary significantly, with private schools generally offering better facilities and learning environments than many government schools. However, there are also centers of excellence among government schools, especially in urban areas. After completing the 12th grade, students take another set of board exams, which are critical for university admissions. The Indian government has been working on initiatives to improve the educational infrastructure and quality, aiming to provide inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Healthcare in India
The healthcare system in India is a mix of public and private sector providers. The public healthcare system is made accessible to all Indian citizens and is mostly free, but it often suffers from underfunding, overcrowding, and limited rural coverage. Private healthcare in India is known for its higher quality and efficiency but comes at a cost, making it less accessible to the lower-income population. India has a vast network of hospitals and clinics, and it is also a popular destination for medical tourism due to the relatively low cost and high quality of its private medical services. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare by registering with the local government health system, but many opt for private health insurance to ensure access to private hospitals and clinics, which offer shorter wait times and more comfortable facilities.