UDISEPlus 2022-23 and 2023-24

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Based on the UDISE+ 2022-23 & 2023-24 Analysis

  1. What is UDISE+?

UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) is a comprehensive database of school education in India. It collects data on schools, teachers, infrastructure, and enrollment annually to aid in education planning and policymaking.

  1. What are the key findings of the UDISE+ 2022-23 and 2023-24 reports?

  • Dropout Rates: A significant number of children dropped out, including 1.5 crore between 2021-22 and 2022-23 and 54 lakh between 2022-23 and 2023-24.
  • Decline in Enrollment: Total enrollment fell from 255.7 million in 2021-22 to 235 million in 2023-24.
  • Decline in Schools: Schools decreased by 87,012 between 2017-18 and 2023-24.
  • Teacher Distribution: Disparity observed, with primary education facing the most significant shortages.

  1. What is the significance of the data collection shift in UDISE+?

UDISE+ transitioned to individual student-wise data collection, enhancing accuracy but challenging comparisons with older data due to different methodologies.

  1. Why did enrollment figures drop significantly?

Factors include:

  • Improved data collection, removing duplicates and ghost entries.
  • Fewer schools are covered in the dataset.
  • Possible over-reporting in earlier years.

  1. How has the dropout rate changed over the years?

  • Dropout rates increased from 0.8% in 2020-21 to 7.8% in 2022-23 for primary levels but reduced to 1.9% in 2023-24.
  • Secondary levels saw a high dropout rate of 14.1% in 2023-24.

  1. What are the main challenges in achieving universal school education?

  • High dropout rates, especially at the primary and upper primary levels.
  • Declining transition and retention rates.
  • Limited infrastructure, such as inadequate internet and computer facilities.

  1. How has gender parity progressed in school enrollment?

Girls have shown higher Gross Enrollment Ratios (GER) than boys at all levels, particularly at the higher secondary level, where girls’ GER (58.2%) surpasses boys’ (54.4%).

  1. What is the status of infrastructure in schools?

  • Only 57.7% of schools had computers, and 53.9% had internet connectivity in 2023-24.
  • Electricity was available in 91.8% of schools.

  1. What is the importance of transition and retention rates?

These indicators reflect the system’s efficiency in ensuring students progress through various educational stages. Both have shown a declining trend, indicating challenges in achieving universal education goals.

  1. What is being done to improve education data accuracy?

UDISE+ has adopted detailed student verification processes, leveraging tools like Aadhaar to improve data quality and minimize discrepancies.

  1. What is the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), and how has it changed?

GER measures the total enrollment in a level of education (regardless of age) as a percentage of the corresponding eligible age group.

  • Primary Level: Declined from 103.4% in 2021-22 to 93% in 2023-24.
  • Secondary Level: Moderately declined from 79.8% in 2020-21 to 77.4% in 2023-24.
  1. Why is there a decline in the number of schools?

The total number of schools decreased due to:

  • Merging or closing schools.
  • Government-run schools declined by 76,883 (7.02%) between 2017-18 and 2023-24.
  • Lack of detailed explanations in the reports.

  1. What are the main findings regarding dropout trends?

  • Dropouts are highest at the primary level, with 9.5 million students leaving between 2021-22 and 2022-23.
  • The dropout rate is lower at the higher secondary level but still significant at 14.1% for secondary education in 2023-24.

  1. What role does UDISE+ play in education policy?

UDISE+ is the primary data source for planning and implementing programs like Samagra Shiksha. It aids in resource allocation, monitoring progress, and identifying areas requiring intervention.

  1. What is the impact of improved data collection methodologies in UDISE+?

Enhanced data accuracy has:

  • Reduced inflated enrollment figures by eliminating duplicates and outdated records.
  • Presented a more realistic picture of school enrollment.
  • Highlighted challenges in achieving universal education goals.

  1. What is the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in UDISE+?

UDISE+ aligns with NEP 2020, presenting data for newly structured school phases (Foundational, Preparatory, Upper Primary, Secondary). It aids in formulating plans to achieve NEP goals, such as universal school enrollment by 2030.

  1. How are student-teacher ratios in Indian schools?

The data reveals imbalances:

  • Primary schools face significant teacher shortages, with only 24% of teachers catering to nearly 50% of students.
  • Higher secondary levels have a better ratio due to the need for specialized subject teachers.

  1. What challenges do rural schools face?

  • Inadequate infrastructure, such as lack of internet and computers.
  • High dropout rates in certain states (e.g., Bihar and Assam).
  • Limited access to resources and quality teachers.

  1. How has the pandemic affected school enrollment?

While the UDISE+ data does not directly link declines to the pandemic, disruptions in education during COVID-19 may have contributed to:

  • Increased dropouts.
  • Reduced transition rates across education levels.
  • Challenges in re-engaging students post-pandemic.

  1. What steps are recommended for improving school retention and transition rates?

  • Strengthening financial support systems (e.g., scholarships, free meals).
  • Enhancing infrastructure like classrooms, internet, and teacher availability.
  • Monitoring and addressing state-specific challenges through localized interventions.

  1. Why is age-appropriate enrollment significant?

  • It ensures students are placed in grades suitable for their age.
  • The decline in Net Enrollment Ratio (NER) at the primary level (from 92.7% in 2020-21 to 79% in 2023-24) highlights a need to address this issue.

  1. What steps are being taken to enhance UDISE+ accessibility and usability?

  • UDISE+ reports are available online at official portals, enabling researchers and policymakers to access detailed data.
  • However, the reports need improvements, such as providing time-series data and disaggregated information at district and block levels.

  1. What role do private schools play in Indian education?

  • Private unaided schools cater to 34.42% of total enrollment (2023-24).
  • Their share has grown despite fluctuations, indicating a demand for private education.

  1. How is technology adoption in schools progressing?

  • Only 57.7% of schools have computers, and 53.9% have internet connectivity in 2023-24.
  • The lack of technology in many schools hampers the implementation of digital learning and data systems.

  1. What are the key recommendations for policymakers?

  • Increase investment in school infrastructure and teacher training.
  • Regularly update and publish comprehensive data for better transparency.
  • Address state-specific challenges with targeted programs and localized solutions.

  1. What is the UDISEPlus portal?

The UDISEPlus portal is the official platform for collecting, managing, and disseminating school education data in India. It provides information on schools, enrollment, infrastructure, and teachers and supports planning under schemes like Samagra Shiksha.

  1. Where can the UDISEPlus 2022-23 and 2023-24 reports be accessed?

The reports are available for download at:

  1. What data do the UDISEPlus 2022-23 and 2023-24 reports cover?

  • Enrollment trends across grades and levels.
  • School infrastructure and facilities.
  • Teacher distribution and student-teacher ratios.
  • Dropout, retention, and transition rates.
  • Regional disparities in school numbers and enrollment.

  1. What is unique about the 2022-23 and 2023-24 reports?

  • They use individual student-wise data for the first time, improving accuracy over the previous school-wise consolidated data.
  • Data is categorized as per the new NEP 2020 structure (Foundational, Preparatory, Upper Primary, and Secondary).

  1. What are some key findings from these reports?

  • A sharp decline in enrollment, with 1.5 crore students dropping out between 2021-22 and 2022-23.
  • Disparities in teacher availability, especially at the primary level.
  • The number of schools decreased significantly since 2017-18.
  • There is limited progress in technological infrastructure, with only 58% of schools having computers.

  1. Why is the cut-off date for both reports the same (March 31, 2024)?

The reports have identical cut-off dates due to delayed data collection and consolidation. This approach has raised concerns about the accuracy and consistency of data representation.

  1. How does the UDISEPlus portal benefit stakeholders?

  • Planners and Policymakers: Provides data for evidence-based decisions.
  • Researchers and Academics: Offers granular insights into education trends.
  • Public Users: Increases transparency in school education data.

  1. What challenges are associated with the UDISEPlus portal?

  • Limited disaggregated data at district and block levels.
  • Concerns about the voluntary nature of data submission by schools, affecting accuracy.
  • There is a lack of time-series data in the reports, making trend analysis difficult.

  1. What new variables have been added in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 reports?

  • Average number of teachers per school (7 at the national level).
  • Percentage of schools without enrollment (0.88% of total schools).
  • Data on single-teacher schools and their enrollment.

  1. How has UDISEPlus aligned with NEP 2020?

  • The reports categorize data as per NEP 2020 recommendations for school phases.
  • They support planning for universal school enrollment by 2030.

  1. What feedback has been provided on these reports?

  • The reports have been criticized for delayed release, lack of detailed state-level analysis, and limited regional disaggregation.
  • They are appreciated for moving towards better accuracy through student-wise data.

  1. What improvements are recommended for the UDISEPlus portal and reports?

  • Include time-series data for better trend analysis.
  • Present disaggregated data at district and block levels.
  • Ensure timely release of reports for effective planning.
  • Address concerns about data accuracy due to voluntary reporting.

  1. How can users utilize the UDISEPlus portal?

  • Access school-specific data via the “Know Your School” feature.
  • Download detailed tables and reports for research and analysis.
  • Monitor progress toward achieving NEP 2020 goals.

  1. Why is UDISEPlus crucial for India’s education system?

It is the only comprehensive source of school education data in India, playing a vital role in:

  • Monitoring progress toward universal education goals.
  • Supporting resource allocation and planning.
  • Enhancing accountability and transparency in education.

  1. What role does UDISEPlus play in international reporting?

UDISEPlus data contributes to India’s reporting on global education goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education.

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