UPSC Mains
GS Paper II
Education & Social Justice
Ensuring Equity Amid India’s Educational Progress: The UDISE+ 2025-26 Report
UDISE+ 2025-26 covers 1.47 million schools, 240 million students and 10.2 million teachers — showing real gains in enrolment and infrastructure, but also a “paradox of progress” of deep regional and social disparities
SCHOOLS COVERED
1.47 Million
STUDENTS COVERED
240 Million
LOWEST ST GER (SOCIAL GROUP)
10% — Weakest Enrolment Group
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Why in News & About UDISE+
- The UDISE+ 2025-26 report highlights significant progress in India’s school education system while exposing persistent regional and social disparities in access, resources and learning outcomes.
- Covers 1.47 million schools, 240 million students and 10.2 million teachers — one of the most comprehensive school-education databases in India.
About UDISE+
- One of the largest Management Information Systems on school education in the world, initiated by the Ministry of Education.
- Developed by integrating DISE (elementary) and SEMIS (secondary); the updated online version, UDISE+, was launched in 2018-19.
- Collects data on enrolment, infrastructure, teachers, dropout rates and learning outcomes — a key tool for evidence-based planning under schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
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Key Highlights — Progress Recorded
- Gross Enrolment has increased across levels; student retention has improved with reduced dropout rates.
- Teacher availability has strengthened in many States; infrastructure such as drinking water and electricity has improved.
- Aadhaar seeding of students has expanded to a national average of 90.2%, led by Andhra Pradesh (99.6%).
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Regional and Social Disparities
Social Group-wise GER (National Level)
| Social Group | GER |
|---|---|
| OBCs | 49% (highest) |
| General | 27% |
| SCs | 17% |
| STs | 10% (lowest) |
Other Key Disparities
- Enrolment & school distribution: UP has the highest share of schools/enrolment; Chandigarh (1,194) and Delhi (788) have the highest average enrolment per school, while Ladakh (64) has the lowest.
- Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR): Jharkhand has the highest Secondary PTR (43), followed by UP; Sikkim has the lowest (6), followed by Ladakh.
- Stage-wise GER: Bihar consistently records the lowest GER across Foundational, Preparatory, Middle and Secondary stages, highlighting the need for focused intervention.
- Dropout rates: Bihar has the highest preparatory (7.9%) and middle-level (9%) dropout; Ladakh has the highest secondary dropout (14.8%); West Bengal (1.5%) has the lowest.
Minority communities account for more than 20% of enrolment — yet marginalised groups, especially STs, continue to lag furthest behind in the GER data.
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Persistent Gaps and Constitutional Framework
Geographical Barriers
Remote, hilly, tribal and border areas (Bageshwar, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Kathua, Palghar) lack adequate schools and transport.
Social Barriers
Children from SCs, STs, minorities and economically weaker families face greater obstacles in enrolment and completion.
Teacher Shortages
Rural and remote schools face shortages, forcing teachers to handle multiple classes and non-teaching duties.
Inclusion Gaps
Insufficient accessible classrooms and supportive teaching practices for Children with Disabilities.
Constitutional & Policy Backing
- Article 21A: Free and compulsory education for ages 6-14 as a Fundamental Right; Article 45: early childhood care below age 6; Article 46: promotes SC/ST and weaker-section educational interests.
- RTE Act, 2009 operationalises Article 21A; NEP 2020 targets 100% GER in school education by 2030; Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is the integrated implementation scheme.
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Way Forward
Targeted Investment
Direct resources towards educationally deprived regions using the aspirational-districts approach.
Equitable Teacher Deployment
Rationalise recruitment and posting to correct high PTRs in States like Jharkhand and UP.
Focus on Marginalised Groups
Scholarships, hostels and support systems for SC, ST, minority and economically weaker students.
Inclusive Education
Build barrier-free, accessible infrastructure for Children with Disabilities.
Reduce Dropouts
Improve primary-to-secondary transition through counselling, mid-day meals and community engagement.
Region-Specific Solutions
Residential schools and transport support for hilly, tribal and border areas.
Conclusion: UDISE+ 2025-26 presents a paradox of progress — strong gains in enrolment and infrastructure alongside persistent regional and social disparities. A regionally and socially balanced approach, integrating quality, equity and accessibility in line with NEP 2020, is essential to move closer to “Education for All.”
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Source: The Hindu
