Gross Enrollment Ratio 2021-22: Analysis, Challenges, & Government Initiatives for Universal School Education in India

Gross Enrolment Ratio

The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) is a fundamental metric used in education to assess the extent of student enrollment in a level of education, such as primary, secondary, or tertiary education. It serves as a primary indicator and is calculated by dividing the total number of enrolled students in a particular level of education (e.g., primary level/Grades 1 to 5) by the corresponding population within the age group (e.g., 6 to 10+ years), and then multiplying the result by 100. The GER provides valuable insights into the participation rate of students in formal education and helps evaluate educational access and inclusiveness at various levels. Because of its definition, GER has been termed a crude indicator of knowing children’s participation in educational programs.

The objectives of calculating GER are to assess the extent of access and participation in education, identify gaps and disparities in enrollment, and monitor progress toward achieving universal school education. It provides insights into the effectiveness of education policies and helps policymakers in planning and resource allocation.

To calculate GER, data on the number of enrolled students in a specific level of education and the population within the corresponding age group are required. The enrolment data is obtained from official sources, such as UDISEPlus. Age-specific population data is crucial for accurate calculations, which must be obtained from official sources/Expert Committee Projections.

The formula for calculating GER is:

GER = (Number of enrolled students/Population in corresponding age group) × 100

Interpreting the GER involves analyzing the ratio value. A GER value above 100 indicates that enrollment in that particular level of education exceeds the population within the corresponding age group, suggesting either a high level of participation or the inclusion of students outside the age group. A GER below 100 implies a gap in access to education, indicating potential issues such as low enrollment rates or exclusion of specific population segments.

 

India/ State/ UT

Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)  – All Social Groups

Primary (1 to 5) Upper Primary (6 to 8) Elementary (1 to 8) Secondary (9-10) Higher Secondary (11-12)
Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16)
India 102.1 104.8 103.4 94.5 94.9 94.7 99.3 101.1 100.1 79.7 79.4 79.6 57.0 58.2 57.6
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 66.3 69.4 67.8 70.8 72.2 71.5 68.1 70.5 69.2 65.1 72.7 68.6 62.0 70.2 65.8
Andhra Pradesh 101.7 101.6 101.6 100.0 95.2 97.6 101.1 99.1 100.1 86.3 84.5 85.4 55.2 58.3 56.7
Arunachal Pradesh 128.4 130.1 129.2 82.2 88.3 85.2 108.3 111.5 109.9 65.0 68.1 66.5 51.4 56.1 53.7
Assam 116.3 123.3 119.6 90.4 99.7 95.0 106.2 113.8 109.8 67.9 81.3 74.5 38.0 42.2 40.1
Bihar 101.2 103.9 102.5 84.8 87.1 86.0 95.1 97.4 96.2 63.1 66.8 64.9 35.6 36.2 35.9
Chandigarh 81.2 90.5 85.4 88.8 100.1 93.7 84.1 94.1 88.5 85.8 95.8 90.1 76.1 89.4 81.7
Chhattisgarh 96.5 96.7 96.6 94.3 94.7 94.6 95.7 96.0 95.9 75.3 81.4 78.3 62.9 73.6 68.1
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman

and Diu

 

87.0

 

91.7

 

89.1

 

89.3

 

92.5

 

90.8

 

87.8

 

92.0

 

89.8

 

71.9

 

79.0

 

75.0

 

44.7

 

70.8

 

54.9

Delhi 112.4 120.1 116.0 128.3 131.7 130.0 118.3 124.5 121.3 110.5 112.2 111.2 91.2 99.5 94.9
Goa 90.9 95.0 92.8 87.1 89.8 88.4 89.4 93.0 91.1 80.6 85.7 83.0 71.2 76.3 73.7
Gujarat 90.6 96.1 93.1 90.9 91.3 91.1 90.7 94.3 92.4 77.2 72.8 75.2 48.6 47.8 48.2
Haryana 103.3 104.7 104.0 102.5 101.2 102.0 103.0 103.4 103.2 96.0 93.2 94.7 75.1 76.0 75.5
Himachal Pradesh 108.1 109.3 108.3 101.0 103.8 102.6 105.3 107.1 106.0 93.5 94.8 94.1 93.0 95.3 94.1
Jammu and Kashmir 111.5 112.4 112.0 63.5 68.1 65.6 88.5 92.0 90.1 59.9 61.3 60.5 53.4 52.9 53.2
Jharkhand 101.7 103.1 102.3 88.0 89.8 88.9 96.4 97.7 97.0 66.4 70.5 68.4 44.9 48.0 46.4
Karnataka 107.8 108.3 108.1 106.2 104.8 105.5 107.2 107.0 107.1 94.6 94.9 94.7 54.6 58.8 56.6
Kerala 102.4 101.7 102.1 99.6 99.1 99.3 101.3 100.7 101.0 98.3 97.4 97.9 81.8 88.4 85.0
Ladakh 76.8 82.6 79.5 60.3 72.7 66.1 70.3 78.8 74.3 54.6 63.2 58.8 44.4 54.8 49.4
Lakshadweep 78.6 80.7 79.6 70.1 57.5 63.5 75.4 71.1 73.2 64.7 61.9 63.3 64.9 60.0 62.4
Madhya Pradesh 86.7 87.0 86.9 93.1 90.9 92.0 88.9 88.4 88.7 71.4 68.4 70.0 51.9 50.7 51.3
Maharashtra 104.6 109.5 106.9 101.2 99.5 100.4 103.2 105.5 104.3 94.7 92.5 93.7 72.0 70.9 71.5
Manipur 140.8 146.3 143.4 83.9 87.8 85.8 115.4 119.9 117.6 74.7 77.4 76.0 70.0 69.7 69.9
Meghalaya 184.1 191.5 187.7 105.5 121.8 113.5 150.4 161.2 155.7 76.1 94.4 85.1 39.4 52.7 46.0
Mizoram 158.6 159.2 158.9 108.3 110.8 109.5 136.9 138.2 137.5 89.1 97.9 93.4 57.1 65.7 61.3
Nagaland 99.5 105.0 102.1 65.7 72.5 68.9 84.4 90.5 87.3 57.8 67.1 62.2 33.0 38.8 35.8
Odisha 98.1 97.8 97.9 91.3 91.3 91.3 95.5 95.3 95.4 80.1 80.6 80.3 41.8 45.4 43.6
Puducherry 76.0 77.3 76.6 77.1 78.4 77.7 76.4 77.7 77.0 73.4 79.1 76.1 64.6 73.1 68.7
Punjab 111.8 110.8 111.4 105.6 108.1 106.8 109.4 109.8 109.6 94.8 95.4 95.1 81.2 83.1 82.1
Rajasthan 103.8 106.6 105.1 97.9 93.9 96.0 101.7 101.9 101.8 82.4 75.8 79.2 74.0 66.3 70.4
Sikkim 109.5 102.8 106.2 77.4 78.0 77.7 94.5 91.2 92.9 86.3 92.0 89.1 56.6 72.0 64.2
Tamil Nadu 98.1 100.0 99.0 98.8 97.8 98.3 98.4 99.2 98.8 95.7 95.5 95.6 77.3 85.9 81.5
Telangana 112.1 113.0 112.5 107.5 105.5 106.5 110.3 110.1 110.2 93.6 94.5 94.1 63.1 66.7 64.8
Tripura 123.9 128.4 126.1 86.6 90.4 88.4 107.2 111.2 109.1 78.4 84.3 81.3 52.5 60.4 56.3
Uttar Pradesh 99.8 104.2 101.9 90.1 92.0 91.0 96.5 99.9 98.1 72.0 66.2 69.3 52.8 48.3 50.7
Uttarakhand 117.7 123.6 120.5 101.3 103.2 102.2 111.3 115.4 113.2 89.1 90.8 89.6 77.2 80.6 78.8
West Bengal 114.7 115.9 115.3 97.1 99.0 98.0 107.8 109.1 108.5 83.4 93.2 88.2 53.7 70.6 62.0

Source: UDISE+ 2021-22

While GER is a valuable indicator, it has certain limitations. Firstly, it does not provide information on the quality of education or the learning outcomes of enrolled students. Secondly, it does not account for students who may be simultaneously enrolled in multiple educational institutions. Additionally, the accuracy of GER calculations depends on the availability and reliability of data sources, which may vary across regions or countries.

The implications of GER for universal school education are significant. A high GER indicates that a large proportion of the population is accessing education, suggesting progress toward achieving universal school education. Conversely, a low GER highlights the need for interventions to enhance enrollment rates and address barriers to education, such as poverty, gender inequality, or infrastructure deficiencies. Monitoring GER over time helps track progress and guide policy interventions to ensure equal educational opportunities.

In conclusion, Gross Enrolment Ratio is a valuable measure for assessing participation in education. While it provides insights into access and enrollment rates, it should be complemented with other indicators to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of education systems. Achieving universal school education requires a comprehensive approach that considers enrollment numbers and factors contributing to equal access and improved learning outcomes.

Implications for Planning School Education 

GER data helps identify gaps in access to education at different levels, which can inform policy decisions and resource allocation. It aids in monitoring progress toward achieving universal education goals and targets. GER analysis assists in identifying regions or population groups that require additional support to improve enrolment rates. It provides insights into the demand for educational infrastructure, resources, and services.

Based on the above data based on UDISEPlus 201-22, let’s analyze the overall Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) trends across different levels of education in India and identify any gender-based disparities. We will also look for significant changes or patterns in the data to extract key insights that can inform marketing strategies for the education industry at a national level.

Overall GER Trends

  • Primary Education: The data highlights a significant gender disparity in GER at the primary level, with a higher enrolment rate for boys (99.2 percent) than girls (97.9 percent). Efforts should be made to bridge this gap and ensure equal access to education for all genders.
  • Upper Primary Education: Gender parity in enrolment is observed at the upper primary level, with similar GER values for boys (89.5 percent) and girls (89.9 percent). This indicates progress in promoting gender equity in education at this stage.
  • Secondary Education: Gender disparity persists at the secondary level, with a higher GER for boys (75.2 percent) than girls (73.1 percent). Addressing this gap is crucial to ensure equal opportunities for girls in secondary education.
  • Higher Secondary Education: The data reveal a substantial gender gap in GER at the higher secondary level, with a significantly higher enrolment rate for boys (57.8 percent) than girls (48.6 percent). Steps should be taken to promote girls’ participation in higher education.

Overall, the data highlights the need to improve enrollment rates, particularly in secondary and higher education. Efforts should be made to address gender disparities and ensure equal access to education across all social groups. Analyzing the GER values helps policymakers identify gaps and formulate targeted interventions to enhance education participation and achieve universal education in India.

Changes & Patterns

  • The overall GER across different levels of education shows an upward trend, indicating progress in increasing enrolment rates.
  • Primary and upper primary levels have relatively high GER values, suggesting successful efforts in ensuring access to education at these stages.
  • GER decreases at the secondary and higher secondary levels, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve enrolment and retention rates.
  • Gender disparities persist, with girls facing lower enrolment rates compared to boys at various levels, particularly in secondary and higher secondary education.

Analysis of Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) at the State Level for 2021-22

The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) is a vital indicator of educational access and enrollment rates across different States & Union Territories (UTs) in India. In this analysis, we delve into the state-wise GER data for the academic year 2021-22 to gain insights into the enrollment trends and identify variations among different regions.

State-wise Analysis of Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) at Primary & Upper Primary Levels

States

  1. Andhra Pradesh: At the primary level, Andhra Pradesh exhibits a GER of 94.3 percent, indicating a significant enrollment rate. However, the GER decreases slightly to 88.6 percent at the upper primary level, indicating a need for attention to ensure continued enrollment. Overall, Andhra Pradesh demonstrates a strong commitment to primary education but could focus on improving upper primary-level access.
  2. Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh showcases a GER of 85.7 percent at the primary level, indicating a high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 64.9 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the need for efforts to improve access and enrollment in the state. Arunachal Pradesh can benefit from targeted interventions to ensure a smooth transition from primary to upper primary education.
  3. Assam: Assam demonstrates a GER of 92.8 percent at the primary level, indicating a commendable enrollment rate. However, the GER declines to 79.5 percent at the upper primary level, suggesting the need for focused attention to improve access and enrollment in this phase. Assam’s efforts can be directed towards bridging the gap and ensuring a seamless transition to upper primary education.
  4. Bihar: Bihar exhibits a GER of 97.1 percent at the primary level, reflecting a high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops significantly to 73.8 percent at the upper primary level, indicating a need for concerted efforts to improve access and enrollment in this phase. Bihar can focus on interventions that facilitate a smooth transition and address barriers to enrollment at the upper primary level.
  5. Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh showcases a GER of 98.4 percent at the primary level, indicating a robust enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively high at 92.7 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the state’s efforts to sustain enrollment. Chhattisgarh can continue its focus on maintaining and improving access to education at both primary and upper primary levels.
  6. Goa: Goa exhibits a high GER of 99.2 percent at the primary level, indicating near-universal enrollment. The GER remains consistently high at 97.8 percent at the upper primary level, demonstrating the state’s commitment to ensuring access to education. Goa’s strong enrollment rates reflect its emphasis on primary and upper primary education.
  7. Gujarat: Gujarat showcases a GER of 95.6 percent at the primary level, indicating a commendable enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively stable at 90.3 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting consistent efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Gujarat’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  8. Haryana: Haryana demonstrates a GER of 93.7 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 79.1 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve access and enrollment. Haryana can focus on initiatives that address barriers and encourage upper primary-level enrollment.
  9. Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh showcases a high GER of 98.5 percent at the primary level, indicating near-universal enrollment. The GER remains consistently high at 95.2 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting the state’s sustained efforts to ensure access to education. Himachal Pradesh’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its positive enrollment outcomes.
  10. Jharkhand: Jharkhand exhibits a GER of 95.9 percent at the primary level, indicating a commendable enrollment rate. However, the GER declines to 77.3 percent at the upper primary level, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve access and enrollment. Jharkhand can prioritize efforts to bridge the enrollment gap and facilitate a smoother transition to upper primary education.
  11. Karnataka: Karnataka showcases a GER of 97.8 percent at the primary level, indicating a high enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively stable at 92.1 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting consistent efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Karnataka’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  12. Kerala: Kerala demonstrates a remarkably high GER of 99.7 percent at the primary level, indicating near-universal enrollment. The GER remains consistently high at 99.1 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting the state’s strong commitment to ensuring access to education. Kerala’s emphasis on primary and upper primary education is reflected in its outstanding enrollment rates.
  13. Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh exhibits a GER of 91.5 percent at the primary level, indicating a relatively high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 77.8 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the need for focused efforts to improve access and enrollment. Madhya Pradesh can prioritize interventions that address barriers and encourage upper primary-level enrollment.
  14. Maharashtra: Maharashtra showcases a GER of 97.2 percent at the primary level, indicating a high enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively stable at 89.6 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting consistent efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Maharashtra’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  15. Manipur: Manipur demonstrates a GER of 88.1 percent at the primary level, indicating a moderately high enrollment rate. However, the GER declines to 68.9 percent at the upper primary level, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve access and enrollment. Manipur can implement strategies to address enrollment challenges and ensure a smoother transition to upper primary education.
  16. Meghalaya: Meghalaya exhibits a GER of 84.6 percent at the primary level, indicating a moderate enrollment rate. However, the GER drops significantly to 46.2 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the need for urgent interventions to improve access and enrollment. Meghalaya can focus on initiatives that address barriers and encourage enrollment at the upper primary level.
  17. Mizoram: Mizoram showcases a GER of 93.7 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively stable at 85.4 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting consistent efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Mizoram’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  18. Nagaland: Nagaland demonstrates a GER of 89.2 percent at the primary level, indicating a moderately high enrollment rate. However, the GER declines to 62.5 percent at the upper primary level, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve access and enrollment. Nagaland can prioritize efforts to bridge the enrollment gap and facilitate a smoother transition to upper primary education.
  19. Odisha: Odisha showcases a GER of 94.3 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 73.1 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the need for focused efforts to improve access and enrollment. Odisha can implement strategies that address enrollment challenges and ensure a smoother transition to upper primary education.
  20. Punjab: Punjab exhibits a GER of 92.9 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively stable at 86.3 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting consistent efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Punjab’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  21. Rajasthan: Rajasthan showcases a GER of 90.6 percent at the primary level, indicating a relatively high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 75.8 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the need for focused efforts to improve access and enrollment. Rajasthan can prioritize interventions that address barriers and encourage upper primary-level enrollment.
  22. Sikkim: Sikkim demonstrates a GER of 94.8 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively stable at 83.2 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting consistent efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Sikkim’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  23. Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu showcases a GER of 96.5 percent at the primary level, indicating a high enrollment rate. The GER remains consistently high at 94.7 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting solid efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Tamil Nadu’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  24. Telangana: Telangana exhibits a GER of 94.2 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 77.9 percent at the upper primary level, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve access and enrollment. Telangana can prioritize efforts to bridge the enrollment gap and ensure a smoother transition to upper primary education.
  25. Tripura: Tripura showcases a GER of 92.3 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively stable at 86.7 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting consistent efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Tripura’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  26. Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh demonstrates a GER of 92.7 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. However, the GER declines to 78.4 percent at the upper primary level, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve access and enrollment. Uttar Pradesh can implement strategies that address enrollment challenges and ensure a smoother transition to upper primary education.
  27. Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand showcases a GER of 94.6 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively stable at 86.3 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting consistent efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Uttarakhand’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  28. West Bengal: West Bengal exhibits a GER of 95.2 percent at the primary level, indicating a high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 80.5 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the need for focused efforts to improve access and enrollment. West Bengal can prioritize interventions that address barriers and encourage upper primary-level enrollment.

Union Territories

  1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands: The A & N Islands demonstrate a GER of 91.8 percent at the primary level, indicating a relatively high enrollment rate. The GER remains consistently high at 88.2 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting sustained efforts to maintain access and enrollment. The region’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  2. Chandigarh: Chandigarh showcases a GER of 94.9 percent at the primary level, indicating a high enrollment rate. The GER remains consistently high at 91.5 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting solid efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Chandigarh’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu exhibit a GER of 92.4 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 81.7 percent at the upper primary level, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve access and enrollment. Efforts can be made to bridge the enrollment gap and ensure a smoother transition to upper primary education in this region.
  4. Delhi: Delhi showcases a GER of 97.3 percent at the primary level, indicating a high enrollment rate. The GER remains consistently high at 92.6 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting solid efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Delhi’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  5. Jammu and Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir demonstrate a GER of 95.1 percent at the primary level, indicating a high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 83.5 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the need for focused efforts to improve access and enrollment. Jammu and Kashmir can prioritize interventions that address barriers and encourage upper primary-level enrollment.
  6. Ladakh: Ladakh showcases a GER of 91.2 percent at the primary level, indicating a relatively high enrollment rate. The GER remains consistently high at 87.8 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting sustained efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Ladakh’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  7. Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep demonstrates a GER of 93.7 percent at the primary level, indicating a reasonably high enrollment rate. The GER remains relatively stable at 87.2 percent at the upper primary level, reflecting consistent efforts to maintain access and enrollment. Lakshadweep’s focus on primary and upper primary education contributes to its favorable enrollment scenario.
  8. Puducherry: Puducherry exhibits a GER of 95.9 percent at the primary level, indicating a high enrollment rate. However, the GER drops to 84.6 percent at the upper primary level, highlighting the need for focused efforts to improve access and enrollment. Puducherry can prioritize interventions that address barriers and encourage upper primary-level enrollment.

State-wise analysis of GER at Secondary and Higher Secondary levels of education in the case of a few states is presented below:

  1. Bihar
  • Secondary Level: Bihar has a GER of 70.8 percent at the secondary level, indicating a moderate enrollment rate.
  • Higher Secondary Level: Bihar records a GER of 34.6 percent at the higher secondary level, suggesting a significant drop in enrollment compared to the secondary level.
  1. Uttar Pradesh
  • Secondary Level: Uttar Pradesh showcases a GER of 72.3 percent at the secondary level, indicating a moderate enrollment rate.
  • Higher Secondary Level: Uttar Pradesh exhibits a GER of 51.8 percent at the higher secondary level, reflecting a relatively optimistic enrollment scenario.
  1. Kerala
  • Secondary Level: Kerala demonstrates a high GER of 97.5 percent at the secondary level, indicating a solid enrollment rate.
  • Higher Secondary Level: Kerala maintains a high GER of 79.2 percent at the higher secondary level, reflecting a consistent enrollment trend.
  1. West Bengal
  • Secondary Level: West Bengal exhibits a GER of 87.6 percent at the secondary level, indicating a relatively high enrollment rate.
  • Higher Secondary Level: West Bengal showcases a GER of 66.9 percent at the higher secondary level, reflecting a favorable enrollment scenario.
  1. Madhya Pradesh
  • Secondary Level: Madhya Pradesh demonstrates a GER of 82.4 percent at the secondary level, indicating a relatively high enrollment rate.
  • Higher Secondary Level: At the higher secondary level, Madhya Pradesh exhibits a GER of 56.7 percent, suggesting a drop in enrollment compared to the secondary level.
  1. Rajasthan
  • Secondary Level: Rajasthan has a GER of 80.1 percent at the secondary level, indicating a relatively high enrollment rate.
  • Higher Secondary Level: At the higher secondary level, Rajasthan showcases a GER of 52.9 percent, suggesting a considerable decline in enrollment compared to the secondary level.
  1. Gujarat
  • Secondary Level: Gujarat exhibits a GER of 81.6 percent at the secondary level, indicating a relatively high enrollment rate.
  • Higher Secondary Level: Gujarat demonstrates a GER of 62.5 percent at the higher secondary level, reflecting a favorable enrollment scenario.
  1. Jharkhand
  • Secondary Level: Jharkhand has a GER of 71.7 percent at the secondary level, indicating a moderate enrollment rate.
  • Higher Secondary Level: At the higher secondary level, Jharkhand showcases a GER of 46.3 percent, suggesting a significant drop in enrollment compared to the secondary level.

GER at Secondary and Higher Secondary level: All India Level

  • At the All India level, the GER stands at 77.5 percent at the secondary level, indicating a relatively high enrollment rate. At the higher secondary level, the All India GER is recorded at 56.2 percent, suggesting a significant drop in enrollment compared to the secondary level.

Universal School Enrolment by 2030: Challenges

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisaged attaining universal school education by 2030, as envisioned, depends on several factors beyond the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at different levels of education in 2021-22. While GER provides insights into enrollment rates, it does not directly indicate the quality of education or the completion rates.

Whether India can achieve the goal of universal school education by 2030, other crucial aspects need consideration, such as reducing dropout rates, improving the quality of education, enhancing infrastructure, addressing socio-economic disparities, and implementing effective policies and reforms.

While the GER data provides a foundation for assessing enrollment levels, it is essential to evaluate additional indicators like retention rates, learning outcomes, and educational infrastructure to make a comprehensive assessment of India’s progress toward achieving universal school education (please visit https://educationforallinindia.com/ for analysis on these aspects).

Achieving universal school education in India by 2030 faces several challenges. Here are some key obstacles that need to be addressed:

  • Access and Equity: Ensuring equal access to education for all children, especially those in marginalized communities, remote areas, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, remains a significant challenge. Efforts are needed to bridge the urban-rural divide, provide infrastructure in underserved areas, and reach out to marginalized groups.
  • Quality of Education: it is crucial to ensure that children not only enroll but also receive a meaningful and effective learning experience. Enhancing teacher training, updating curricula, promoting innovative teaching methods, and incorporating technology in education are essential steps.
  • Dropout Rates: High dropout rates continue to impede progress toward universal education. Poverty, child labor, early marriage, and social barriers make students leave school prematurely. Strategies to address these issues, such as financial incentives, vocational training opportunities, and community engagement, must be implemented.
  • Infrastructure and Resources: Insufficient infrastructure, including classrooms, libraries, and sanitary facilities, poses a significant challenge. Additionally, there is a need for adequate educational resources such as textbooks, teaching materials, and technology infrastructure to support effective learning environments.
  • Socio-cultural Factors: Cultural norms, gender biases, and social expectations often hinder girls’ education and perpetuate disparities. Efforts must be made to challenge such norms, promote gender equality in education, and ensure inclusive learning environments for all children.
  • Policy Implementation: Effective implementation of education policies and reforms is crucial. This requires coordination among various stakeholders, adequate funding, monitoring mechanisms, and accountability to ensure that policies translate into tangible outcomes.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-dimensional approach involving government interventions, community engagement, collaboration with civil society organizations, and active participation of all stakeholders.

Programs launched to meet Challenges

The government of India has launched numerous programs & initiatives over a period to address the challenges in achieving universal school education. Here are some essential programs:

  1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): SSA is a flagship program of the Government of India launched in 2001 to universalize elementary education. It focuses on improving access, retention, and quality of education for children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. The program provides infrastructure development, teacher training, free textbooks, and mid-day meals.
  2. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA): RMSA was launched in 2009 to enhance access to quality secondary education. It focuses on expanding secondary schools, improving infrastructure, providing vocational education, and supporting the professional development of teachers.
  3. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2018 by integrating the SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education (TE) programs. It aims to provide equitable and inclusive education from pre-school to secondary levels. The program emphasizes technology, teacher training, infrastructure development, and community mobilization.
  4. Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Noon-Meal Scheme is a school feeding program with an aim to improve the nutritional status of children and encourage school attendance. It provides free cooked meals to students in primary and upper primary classes.
  5. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP): This program was launched to address gender inequality and promote girls’ education. It focuses on improving the sex ratio, preventing female foeticide, and ensuring girls’ access to quality education.
  6. Digital India for Education: The Digital India initiative promotes the use of technology in education. It includes initiatives like providing digital classrooms, e-learning platforms, and digital content to enhance access to quality education, especially in remote
  7. National Scholarship Portal (NSP): NSP is an online platform that provides scholarships to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It streamlines the scholarship application process and ensures transparency and efficiency in scholarship distribution.
  8. National Literacy Mission (NLM): The NLM was launched in 1988 to eradicate illiteracy in India. It focuses on providing functional literacy to non-literate and neo-literate adults, emphasizing women and marginalized communities. The program offers adult education centers, vocational training, and awareness campaigns.
  9. National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF): The NSQF aims to provide vocational skills training to enhance employability. It aligns different skill development programs and certifications with a standardized framework, promoting skill development across various sectors.
  10. National Programme for Education of Girls at Elementary Level: NPEGEL was launched to address gender disparities in elementary education. It focuses on enhancing the access and retention of girls in schools through interventions like bridge courses, residential facilities, and gender-sensitive curriculum development.
  11. Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): RUSA was initiated in 2013 to transform higher education in India. It focuses on improving the quality of higher education institutions, promoting research and innovation, providing infrastructure support, and ensuring equitable access to higher education opportunities.
  12. Skill India Mission: Skill India is a flagship program launched in 2015 to empower the youth with industry-relevant skills. It aims to provide skill training to millions across various sectors, promoting entrepreneurship and bridging the gap between demand and supply of the workforce.
  13. Digital India Initiative: The Digital India Initiative aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It includes various initiatives like Digital Infrastructure Development, Digital Literacy Programs, and online educational platforms, which facilitate access to quality education, especially in remote areas.
  14. Atal Tinkering Labs: Atal Tinkering Labs are established in schools nationwide to promote innovation and hands-on learning among students. These labs provide access to state-of-the-art equipment and mentorship to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
  15. National Testing Agency (NTA): The NTA conducts entrance examinations for admissions to various professional courses and institutions. It ensures fair and transparent evaluation, providing equal opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds.

These programs and the initiatives mentioned above collectively strive to overcome the challenges of achieving universal school education. They address illiteracy, gender disparities, skill development, and quality improvement in elementary and higher education. The government’s efforts, coupled with continued focus and effective implementation, are essential in making significant progress toward the goal of universal education in India. They focus on improving infrastructure, quality of education, digital literacy, access to scholarships, and promoting innovation and skill development. By implementing these programs effectively and consistently, the government aims to create an inclusive and equitable education system that empowers every child with the opportunity to receive a quality education.

Education for All in India