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Education of Scheduled Castes in India: A Critical Analysis of Gross Enrolment Ratio in UDISEPlus 2024-25


Introduction

Scheduled Castes (SC), constituting approximately 16.6% of India’s population as per the 2011 Census, are a cornerstone of the nation’s pursuit of inclusive growth and educational equity. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 sets an ambitious goal of universal school education by 2030, emphasizing targeted interventions for marginalized communities like SC through initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha. However, challenges such as socio-economic disparities, limited access to quality infrastructure, gender biases, and systemic barriers continue to hinder progress, particularly at secondary and higher secondary levels.

This article offers a detailed analysis of the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for SC students across various educational stages, leveraging official UDISE+ 2024-25 data and drawing comparisons with 2023-24 figures. Hosted on Education for All in India, this analysis integrates insights from policy frameworks like the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and scholarly contributions by Prof. Arun C. Mehta. The findings highlight a mixed trajectory: a slight decline in early-stage enrolment juxtaposed with modest gains at higher levels, underscoring the need for data-driven reforms to achieve NEP’s vision of equitable education.

Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of Scheduled Castes (SC) at the National Level

The following table presents a year-on-year comparison of GER for SC students at the all-India level, sourced from UDISE+ 2023-24 and 2024-25 data, ensuring a clear view of evolving trends.

Level of Education Year Boys Girls Total
Primary (1-5) 2023-24 95.2 98.5 96.8
2024-25 91.2 94.4 92.7
Upper Primary (6-8) 2023-24 94.1 97.3 95.6
2024-25 93.4 99.1 96.1
Elementary (1-8) 2023-24 94.8 98.0 96.3
2024-25 92.0 96.2 94.0
Secondary (9-10) 2023-24 79.0 82.3 80.6
2024-25 79.5 84.8 82.0
Higher Secondary (11-12) 2023-24 54.4 61.8 57.9
2024-25 55.3 63.9 59.4

Source: UDISE+ 2023-24 and 2024-25

The data reveals a persistent decline in GER as education levels progress, with primary enrolment nearing universal access but dropping sharply at higher secondary stages. Compared to 2023-24, 2024-25 shows a slight decline at primary (from 96.8 to 92.7) and elementary (from 96.3 to 94.0) levels, potentially due to post-pandemic economic pressures or data recalibrations. However, gains at secondary (from 80.6 to 82.0) and higher secondary (from 57.9 to 59.4) levels suggest improved retention, likely driven by Samagra Shiksha’s targeted interventions.

State-wise Gross Enrolment Ratio of Scheduled Castes (SC): UDISEPlus 2024-25

State-wise Analysis of GER at Different Levels (2024-25)

Primary Level (1-5)

  • States on Track for Universalisation: Assam (118.3), Telangana (112.9), West Bengal (116.7), Manipur (166.2), Mizoram (1055.2 ?)
  • States Requiring Urgent Attention: Delhi (53.3), Chandigarh (19.6), Gujarat (72.5), Haryana (80.3)

Upper Primary Level (6-8)

  • States on Track: Punjab (99.8), Tamil Nadu (101.0), Telangana (108.9), West Bengal (114.6)
  • States Requiring Attention: Bihar (78.4), Delhi (66.6), Gujarat (86.5)

Elementary Level (1-8)

  • States on Track: West Bengal (115.8), Telangana (111.3), Tamil Nadu (97.2)
  • States Requiring Attention: Delhi (58.4), Chandigarh (24.2), Gujarat (77.9)

Secondary Level (9-10)

  • States on Track: West Bengal (114.5), Punjab (92.3), Tamil Nadu (98.1)
  • States Requiring Urgent Attention: Bihar (54.8), Jharkhand (69.0), Uttar Pradesh (65.3), Chhattisgarh (80.6)

Higher Secondary Level (11-12)

  • States on Track: Punjab (79.1), Tamil Nadu (83.0), Telangana (68.7)
  • States Requiring Urgent Attention: Bihar (40.5), Uttar Pradesh (55.6), Jharkhand (43.4), Madhya Pradesh (43.5)

Critical Analysis

  1. Declining GER with Higher Levels of Education: The GER drops significantly from primary (92.7) to higher secondary (59.4), reflecting high dropout rates driven by socio-economic barriers and inadequate infrastructure. The 2024-25 decline at lower levels contrasts with gains at higher stages, indicating mixed policy outcomes.
  2. Gender Disparities: SC girls consistently outperform boys in GER across all levels, yet face unique challenges like early marriage and safety concerns, impacting retention. The gender gap has slightly narrowed in 2024-25.
  3. State Disparities: States like Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal demonstrate robust GER, while Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand lag, necessitating region-specific interventions.
  4. Need for Strengthening Secondary Education: The steep GER decline at secondary and higher secondary levels underscores the urgency for enhanced financial aid, quality education, and infrastructure improvements. Incremental progress in 2024-25 signals potential for scalable solutions.

Policy References and Recommendations

Several policy frameworks anchor SC education efforts:

  • NEP 2020: Advocates equity and inclusion, prioritizing quality education access for marginalized groups.
  • Samagra Shiksha: Facilitates scholarships, hostels, and vocational training to boost SC student retention.
  • Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Guarantees free and compulsory education up to age 14, with scope for enhanced SC-focused measures.

Role of Samagra Shiksha in Improving SC Education

Samagra Shiksha drives infrastructural upgrades, teacher training, scholarships, and digital learning tools. To further elevate SC education, the following are recommended:

  • Bridge Programs: To ease transitions from elementary to secondary education.
  • Remedial Classes: To enhance learning outcomes and reduce dropouts.
  • Targeted Scholarships: To alleviate financial barriers at secondary and higher secondary levels.
  • Hostel and Transportation Facilities: To address access and safety concerns, especially for girls.

Concluding Observations

The path to universal school education for SC students by 2030, as envisioned by NEP 2020, demands urgent, evidence-based action, as revealed by UDISE+ 2024-25 data. The decline in primary (92.7) and elementary (94.0) GER from 2023-24 levels signals potential challenges – possibly linked to economic stressors or data refinements—that require immediate investigation. Conversely, gains at secondary (82.0) and higher secondary (59.4) levels reflect the impact of Samagra Shiksha’s targeted retention strategies, such as expanded scholarships and community engagement.

Gender parity shows progress, with SC girls leading enrolment metrics, yet regional disparities persist, with high-performing states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu offering scalable models for underperformers like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. To accelerate progress, policymakers should leverage AI-driven dropout prediction systems, foster public-private partnerships for vocational training, and embed SC-specific indicators in NEP monitoring frameworks. Sustained focus on these measures, informed by longitudinal UDISE+ insights, will not only reverse early-stage declines but also propel India toward equitable education as a foundation for inclusive growth. Explore more data-driven analyses at Education for All in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Scheduled Castes GER, UDISEPlus 2024-25

  1. What is the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for SC students at different levels of education?
    GER for SC students ranges from 92.7 at the primary level to 59.4 at higher secondary, as per UDISE+ 2024-25.
  2. Why does GER decline for SC students at higher levels of education?
    Socio-economic barriers, inadequate school infrastructure, early marriage, and financial constraints drive lower GER at secondary and higher secondary levels.
  3. How can Samagra Shiksha help in improving SC education?
    It provides scholarships, hostels, teacher training, and digital tools to enhance access and retention for SC students.
  4. Which states have the highest GER for SC students?
    West Bengal, Telangana, and Punjab exhibit strong GER, reflecting effective enrolment and retention strategies.
  5. What policies support the education of SC students?
    NEP 2020, Samagra Shiksha, and the RTE Act promote inclusive education access for SC students.

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