Context: As per the Ministry of Education (MoE) Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report, the total enrolment of students has dropped by over a crore in 2023-24 as compared to the previous years. 

• In UDISE+ 2023-24 for the first time, at national level individual student wise data has been collected from all recognized schools in country through UDISE+ since 2022-23. 

• It is aligned with recommendations of NEP 2020. 

About the Report

• The Department of School Education & Literacy (DOSEL) has developed the “Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+)” from the reference year 2018-19. 

• It facilitates online uploading of data at school level with subsequent data verification at the Block, District and State level.

• The data serves as a crucial tool for monitoring and evaluating the quality of education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. 

Key findings of UDISE+ 2023-24

• Student Enrolments: Overall dip in school enrolments as well across country, falling from 25.18 crore in 2022-23 to 24.8 crore in 2023-24.

• This represents a drop of about 1.55 crore students (nearly 6%) from 2018-19 to 2021-22.

• Dropouts: Zero-dropout rate at Foundational level (pre-primary to Class 2) is due to admission of students from Anganwadi, standalone private pre-primary school directly to Class I in recognized schools.

• Maximum dropout rates were at Secondary level (Classes 9 to 12).

• Statewise Drop: States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra saw among the highest drop in enrolments. 

• Gender Wise Drop in Enrolment: In 2023-24, there was a decrease of 4.87% in enrolment of boys as compared to 2018-19.

• There was a decrease of 4.48% for the enrolment of girls in the same period.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Only 57.2% of schools have functional computers, 53.9% have internet, and 52.3% are equipped with ramps, underscoring significant gaps in accessibility and tech readiness. 

• Retention rate: Higher at elementary level.

• Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER): Minor dip at all levels except at the secondary level.

• GER compares enrolment in a specific level of education to population of age group that is age-appropriate for that level of education.

• School infrastructure: Assam, Odisha and Karnataka face underutilised infrastructure due to low student-to-school ratios.

Challenges Faced by the Education System in India

• Inequality in Access: There is a significant disparity in access to quality education between urban and rural areas, and among different socioeconomic groups.

• Quality of Education: While enrollment rates are high, the quality of education remains a concern due to outdated teaching methods, lack of skilled teachers, and inadequate infrastructure.

• High Dropout Rates: Many students, particularly at the secondary level, drop out due to factors such as financial constraints, early marriage, or a lack of interest.

• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack basic infrastructure such as classrooms, toilets, and electricity, limiting the learning environment.

• Focus on Rote Learning: The education system often emphasizes rote memorization over critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

• Inadequate Funding: Public spending on education is often insufficient, leading to limited resources for schools, teachers, and educational reforms.

• Overburdened Curriculum: The curriculum is often too rigid and overburdened with content, leaving little room for practical skills and extracurricular activities.

• Access to Higher Education: Although the number of universities and colleges has grown, the demand for quality higher education still exceeds the supply, leading to intense competition.

• Technological Integration: While digital learning is gaining traction, there is still limited access to technology in many rural and remote areas, widening the digital divide.

Government Initiatives

• Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Guarantees free and compulsory education for children in the 6-14 age group, focusing on quality education and no discrimination.

• Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Provides free meals to students in government schools to encourage school attendance, improve nutrition, and reduce dropout rates.

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Focuses on financial inclusion, enabling students from low-income families to access government education benefits and scholarships.

• National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education: Aims to encourage girls from rural areas to continue education by providing financial incentives.

• Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan: Improves sanitation facilities in schools, ensuring clean drinking water, toilets, and better hygiene to support girls’ education.

• Digital India Programme: Promotes the integration of technology in education by providing access to digital learning resources and bridging the digital divide.

• Scholarships and Financial Aid: The government offers various scholarships and financial assistance programs for students from economically weaker sections, such as the Post-Matric and Pre-Matric scholarships.

New Education Policy 2020

• Emphasis on early childhood care and education (ECCE), particularly for children up to 6 years.

• Encourages multi-disciplinary learning at the school and higher education levels.

• Introduction of a 5+3+3+4 school structure (5 years of foundation, 3 years of preparatory, 3 years of middle, and 4 years of secondary education).

• Focus on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving rather than rote learning.

About UDISE+

• UDISE+ system of online data collection from schools was developed by Department of School Education & Literacy in the 2018-19 to overcome the issues related to erstwhile practice of manual data filling in paper format.

• UDISE+ collects information through an online Data Collection Form on parameters ranging from school, Infrastructure, teachers, enrolments, examination results etc.