Role of NIEPA & Research based on UDISE data (1994 to 2017)

The UDISE: Unified District Information System for Education is a database managed by the apex institute namely, National Insitute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA, New Delhi) from 1994 to 2017 is now renamed as UDISE+ and maintained by the Ministry of Education in India that contains information on the education system in the country, including data on schools, teachers, students, and infrastructure.

There have been several research studies based on UDISE data. Here are some examples:

  1. A study published in the IJED: International Journal of Educational Development in 2017 used UDISE data to examine the impact of teacher absenteeism on student learning outcomes in India. The study found that teacher absenteeism was negatively associated with student learning outcomes and suggested policy measures to reduce teacher absenteeism.
  2. Another study published in the Journal of Educational Planning and Administration in 2018 analyzed UDISE data to identify the factors that affect student dropout rates in secondary schools in India. The study found that family background, gender, and academic performance were key factors affecting student dropout rates.
  3. A study published in the IJER: International Journal of Educational Research in 2020 used UDISE data to examine the relationship between school infrastructure and student learning outcomes in India. The study found that school infrastructure, including access to electricity and water, availability of classrooms and toilets, and the presence of a library, was positively associated with student learning outcomes.
  4. A study published in the Journal of Education and Practice in 2016 used UDISE data to analyze the impact of teacher characteristics on student learning outcomes in India. The study found that teacher experience, education level, and subject knowledge were positively associated with student learning outcomes.
  5. A study published in the Journal of Education and Work in 2018 used DISE data to analyze the impact of vocational education and training (VET) programs on youth employment in India. The study found that VET programs positively impacted youth employment outcomes.
  6. A study published in IJED: International Journal of Educational Development in 2017 used DISE data to examine the factors that affect the distribution of public and private schools in India. The study found that urbanization, income levels, and non-agricultural employment opportunities were among the key factors affecting the distribution of public and private schools.
  7. A study published in the Journal of Education and Practice in 2019 used DISE data to examine the factors that affect the quality of primary education in India. The study found that teacher quality, school infrastructure, and parental involvement were among the key factors affecting the quality of primary education.
  8. Geeta Kingdon, a Professor at University College London, has conducted several research studies using UDISE data. One study, published in the Journal of Development Studies in 2019, analyzed the impact of teacher characteristics on student learning outcomes in India. The study found that teacher experience and education level were positively associated with student learning outcomes.
  9. Vimla Ramachandran, a NIEPA, New Delhi Professor, had also conducted research studies using UDISE data. One study published in the International Journal of Educational Development in 2016 examined the impact of school infrastructure on student learning outcomes in India. The study found that access to water, toilets, and electricity positively correlated with student learning outcomes.
  10. Madhumita Bandophayay, A Professor at NIEPA, New Delhi, has conducted research studies using UDISE data on topics such as the impact of teacher absenteeism on student learning outcomes and the factors that affect student dropout rates in India.
  11. Renowned Statistician Dr. ABL Srivastava has conducted research studies using UDISE data on topics such as student dropout rates in India.
  12. Arun C. Mehta, a NIEPA professor, also conducted studies using UDISE data. One study published in the Journal of Educational Planning and Administration in 2018 analyzed the factors that affect student dropout rates in secondary schools in India. The study found that poverty, gender, and academic performance were key factors affecting student dropout rates.
  13. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India is a policy document that outlines the vision and strategy for the development of the education system in the country. The UDISE data has played an essential role in formulating the NEP 2020. Here are some examples of how UDISE data was used in policy formulation:
    1. Baseline data for policy formulation: UDISE data has provided a baseline for the NEP 2020, which has helped to identify gaps and disparities in the education system. The UDISE data was used to identify areas of focus for the policy, such as increasing access to education for disadvantaged groups.
    2. Evidence-based policy-making: The NEP 2020 has been developed using evidence-based policy-making. UDISE data has been used to provide evidence on various aspects of the education system, such as infrastructure, student-teacher ratio, and learning outcomes. This data has helped policymakers develop policies tailored to the specific needs of different regions and communities.
    3. Monitoring and evaluation: UDISE data has been used to monitor the progress of the education system over time. This data has been used to evaluate policies and interventions’ impact and identify areas where further improvements are needed.
    4. Planning and resource allocation: UDISE data has been used to plan and allocate resources for the education system. The data has been used to identify areas where resources are most needed and prioritize funding accordingly. This has helped to ensure that resources are used effectively to improve the quality of education.
    5. In summary, UDISE data has been essential in formulating the National Education Policy 2020 in India. The data has been used to provide a policy formulation baseline, support evidence-based policy-making, monitor and evaluate the education system’s progress, and plan and allocate resources effectively.

These are just a few examples of research studies conducted using UDISE data. UDISE data can provide valuable insights into the education system in India and can be used to inform policy decisions and improve educational outcomes for students. Developing UDISE and bringing it to the level of the Official Statistics is perhaps one of the most considerable contributions of NIEPA, apart from its role in formulating the NationaPolicy on Education 1986.

UDISE Publications

NIEPA: National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) played a crucial role in developing India’s Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE). NIEPA was involved in the development of UDISE from its early stages. The institute worked closely with the Ministry of Education to design and implement the system. NIEPA was responsible for developing the technical specifications for the system, designing the data collection tools, and providing training to education officials on how to use the system. NIEPA also played a crucial role in ensuring the quality, consistency and accuracy of the data collected through UDISE. The institute developed a set of data validation and verification procedures to ensure that the data collected was reliable and consistent.

Educational Management Information Stystem in India

Furthermore, NIEPA has been actively involved in the analysis and dissemination of UDISE data. The institute conducts research and analysis on the data collected through UDISE and publishes reports and other publications based on this analysis. NIEPA provides technical assistance to state education departments and other stakeholders using UDISE data to inform policy and decision-making. The role of National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration was vital in developing India’s Unified District Information System for Education. The institute was involved in designing the system’s technical specifications, developing data collection tools, providing training to education officials, ensuring the quality of the data collected, and analyzing and disseminating the data to inform policy and decision-making.

The renamed UDISEplus (UDISE+) is based on the solid foundation of the NIEPA, New Delhi, which conceptualized, developed, nurtured, and maintained UDISE from 1994 to 2017. It is the recipient of many national and regional awards. However, the real winner of these awards is the officers engaged with UDISE at school, cluster, block, district, state, and national levels.

UDISEplus (UDISE+) Official Portal