Why is News :
- The Union Ministry of Education released the PGI-D 2.0 for school education performance across Indian States and UTs on June 18, 2025.
- Chandigarh was adjudged the best performer.
What is PGI 2.0?
Performance Grading Index (PGI-D) 2.0 evaluates States/UTs on a 1,000-point scale.
Aims:
- Data-driven policymaking
- Evidence-based reforms
- Improved learning outcomes and school governance
Key Domains:
- Learning Outcomes
- Access
- Infrastructure
- Equity
- Governance Processes
- Teacher Education
Highlights of PGI-D 2.0 (2023–24)
Top Performers
- Chandigarh: Only region in Prachesta-1 (701–760) with a score of 719
- Strong across learning outcomes, equity, and infrastructure
Prachesta-3 (581–640):
- States/UTs: Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, Goa, Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, DNH & Daman-Diu
- Consistent performance across governance, access, and infrastructure
Bottom Performers
- Meghalaya: Scored 417 — only State in Akanshi-3 (401–460)
- Akanshi-2 (461–520): Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura, Manipur, and Northeastern States
- Major issues: Poor retention, weak infrastructure, governance gaps
Mid-Level Performers
- Akanshi-1 (521–580): 14 States/UTs
- Includes Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
- Moderate performance but scope for improving teacher education and learning outcomes
States Showing Most Improvement
- Bihar & Telangana: Improved access and retention
- Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana: Significant infrastructure upgrades
- Shows impact of targeted public investments and reforms
| PGI Grading Scale Utkarsh (761–1000) – None achieved Prachesta-1 to 3 (580–760) – Moderate performers Akanshi-1 to 3 (401–579) – Low performers Methodology Scores assigned using weighted indicators Example:Indicator “Math proficiency Grade 5” (weight = 20)If 50% students achieve minimum level ⇒ Score = 10 (20 × 0.5)Holistic evaluation: outcomes + enabling conditions |
Critical Analysis / Way Forward
- Need to accelerate reforms in laggard States—especially in infrastructure, teacher training, and retention
- Strengthen digital access, capacity-building for school leaders, and better state-wise benchmarking
- No State in Utkarsh: Points to systemic limitations and the need for deep-rooted transformation
| UPSC Relevance : GS2: Governance / Education Role of PGI-D in monitoring SDG 4: Quality Education; Federal role in education policy implementation; Data-backed policymaking and accountability reforms GS3: Development Indicators Education as a social infrastructure; Enhancing human capital and economic productivity |