The Present Status of School Education in India: Analysis of the Latest UDISE+ 2021-22 Data
All the indicators which are crucial in knowing the present status of school education in India have been presented in this brief article which is exclusively based on the official statistics generated through the UDISEplus 2021-22 released by the Department of School Education & Literacy of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It may be observed that the year 2021-22 is the year for which the UDISEplus data is the latest available.
In particular, the details of each of the tables used at the all-India level are presented below: These tables provide various data related to education in India for 2020-21 and 2021-22. Here is a summary of the information presented in each table:
Table 1: Age-specific Projected Child Population
- Provides the projected child population for specific age groups from 6 to 17 years for the years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Table 2: Number of Schools (All Schools): All-India
- Shows the total number of schools in India for the years 2017-18 to 2021-22, along with the percentage change and the number of government and private schools.
Table 3: Enrolment
- Presents the enrollment data based on different management categories (government, aided, private unaided, and others) for the years 2017-18 to 2021-22.
Table 4: Level-specific Enrolment: 2020-21 & 2021-22
- Displays the enrollment numbers for different levels (primary, upper primary, elementary, secondary, and higher secondary) for the years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Table 5: Enrolment at Elementary Level: 2021-22
- Focuses specifically on enrollment at the elementary level (grades 1 to 8) for different management categories for the years 2017-18 to 2021-22.
Table 6: Enrolment Ratio: All-India, 2020-21 & 2021-22
- Provides the gross enrollment ratio (GER), net enrollment ratio (NER), adjusted NER, and ASER (Age-specific enrollment ratio) for different education levels for the years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Table 7: Computer, Internet Facilities
- Shows the availability of facilities like electricity, internet, and computers in schools for the years 2019-20 to 2021-22.
Table 8: Efficiency Indicators
- Presents various efficiency indicators in education, such as dropout rate, transition rate, and retention rate for different levels for the years 2019-20 and 2020-21.
It may please be noted that the data provided in these tables are specific to the years mentioned and sourced from UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) and other relevant sources.
The Indicators & their Meaning
- Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): GER is the ratio of the total enrollment in a specific level of education to the official eligible age group population for that level. It indicates the extent of education participation and reflects the education system’s access and reach.
- Net Enrolment Ratio (NER): NER is the ratio of the total enrollment in a specific level of education to the official eligible age group population adjusted for repetition. It provides a more accurate measure of enrollment by considering over-aged and under-aged students.
- Adjusted NER: Adjusted NER considers the expected age of entry and duration of each level of education. It provides a more refined measure of enrollment that considers the appropriate age group for each level.
- ASER (Age-specific Enrolment Ratio): ASER measures the enrollment ratio for specific age groups. It allows for a detailed analysis of enrollment patterns within different age cohorts.
- Dropout Rate: The dropout rate refers to the percentage of students who discontinue their education before completing a specific level or grade. It measures the extent of students leaving the educational system prematurely.
- Transition Rate: The transition rate represents the percentage of students who successfully move from one educational level to the next. It indicates the smooth progression of students from primary to upper primary, elementary to secondary, and secondary to higher secondary levels.
- Retention Rate: The retention rate signifies the percentage of students who remain enrolled in the education system and complete a specific level or grade. It reflects the ability of the system to retain students and prevent dropouts.
These indicators help monitor the progress, effectiveness, and inclusiveness of the education system, and they provide insights into access, retention, progression, and overall quality of education.
THE MOST CRUCIAL Indicator
Among the above indicators, the most crucial indicator for achieving universal school education is the “Retention Rate.” The retention rate reflects the percentage of students who continue their education at each level, indicating the ability of the education system to retain students and prevent dropouts.
A high retention rate is crucial as it ensures that children progress through the education system and complete their schooling. It signifies the effectiveness of efforts to provide a supportive and conducive learning environment, address factors leading to dropouts, and promote student engagement and motivation.
A high retention rate indicates that students stay in school and complete the necessary levels of education, leading to improved literacy rates, better educational outcomes, and increased opportunities for personal and socio-economic development. It is an essential indicator of the effectiveness and success of efforts toward achieving universal school education.
Based on the data presented in the Tables, here are some key observations:
- Age-specific Projected Child Population: The projected child population for specific age groups remained relatively stable from 2020-21 to 2021-22.
Table 1: Age-specific Projected Child Population
|
Year |
6 to 10 Years | 11 to 13 years | ||||
| Boys | Girls | Total | Boys | Girls | Total | |
| 2019-20 | 62093000 | 56354000 | 118446400 | 37587800 | 34760400 | 72346800 |
| 2020-21 | 62147000 | 55998000 | 118144200 | 37063400 | 34386200 | 71448400 |
| 2021-22 | 62201000 | 55642000 | 117842000 | 36539000 | 34012000 | 70550000 |
| Change over the Previous Year | -302200 | -898400 | ||||
|
14 to 15 Years |
Total |
16 to 17 Years |
Total | |||
| 2020-21 | 48900200 | 50056400 | ||||
| 2021-22 | 48425000 | 49647000 | ||||
| Change over the Previous Year | -475200 | -409400 | ||||
Source: UDISE+ 2019-20, 2020-21& 2021-22, DoSE&L, Ministry of Education
- Number of Schools: The total number of schools in India decreased from 2017-18 to 2021-22, with a decline of 4.48 percent. The number of government schools decreased, while the number of private schools increased slightly.
Table 2: Number of Schools (All Schools): All-India
| Year
|
Total Number
of Schools |
Increase/
Decrease
|
%age
Change
|
Total Government/
DoE Schools
|
Increase/ Decrease
|
Total Private Schools
|
Increase/ Decrease
|
| 2017-18 | 15,58,903 | 1094543 | 322201 | ||||
| 2018-19 | 15,51,000 | -7,903 | -0.5 | 1083747 | -10796 | 326228 | 4027 |
| 2019-20 | 15,07,708 | -43,292 | -2.8 | 1032570 | -51177 | 337499 | 11271 |
| 2020-21 | 15,09,136 | 1,428 | 0.09 | 1032149 | -521 | 343314* | 5815 |
| 2021-22 | 14,89,115 | -20,021 | -1.33 | 1022386 | -9663 | 335844 | -7470 |
| 2017-18
to 2021-22 |
-69,788 | -4.48% | -72,157 | -6.59 %
|
13,643 | 4.23%
|
Source: UDISE & UDISE+, different years. *Number of published schools were 3,40,753 schools in 2020-2.
Enrolment
Enrolment: The overall enrolment in schools remained relatively stable over the years, with a slight increase from 250.9 million in 2020-21 to 255.7 million in 2021-22. Government schools accounted for most enrolment, followed by private unaided schools.
Table 3: Enrolment
| Management | 2017-18 | %age
to Total Enrolment |
2019-20 | %age
to Total Enrolment |
2020-21 | %age
to Total Enrolment |
2021-22 | Change
Over Previous Year |
%age
to Total Enrolment |
| Government | 131771929 | 52.5 | 128142596 | 51.06 | 132425644 | 52.18 | 140498718 | 8073074 | 54.94 |
| Aided
Management |
27988493 | 11.15 | 27014238 | 10.76 | 26446332 | 10.42 | 26647860 | 201528 | 10.42 |
| Private
Unaided |
83311659 | 33.19 | 88913012 | 35.43 | 88089385 | 34.71 | 82450325 | -5639060 | 32.24 |
| Others | 7917112 | 3.15 | 6901837 | 2.75 | 6843100 | 2.7 | 6143720 | -699380 | 2.40 |
| Total I to XII | 250989193 | 100 | 250971683 | 100 | 253804461 | 100 | 255740623 | 1936162 | 100 |
Source: UDISE+ It may be recalled that the highest ever total enrolment recorded was 26,05,96,960 reported in the year 2015-16.
Level-specific Enrolment: The enrolment numbers at the primary level remained relatively stable (but declined), while there was a slight increase in upper primary, elementary, and higher secondary levels. However, there was a decrease in enrolment at the secondary level.
Table 4: Level-specific Enrolment: 2020-21 & 2021-22
| Level | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | Change | %age Change |
| Primary | 122021291 | 121842250 | -179041 | -0.15 |
| Upper Primary | 65854199 | 66790692 | 936493 | 1.42 |
| Elementary | 187875490 | 188632942 | 757452 | 0.40 |
| Secondary | 39006375 | 38528631 | -477744 | -1.22 |
| Higher Secondary | 26922596 | 28579050 | 1656454 | 6.15 |
| Total, 1 to 12 | 253804461 | 255740623 | 1936162 | 0.76 |
Source: UDISE+, different years
- Enrolment at Elementary Level: Enrolment at the elementary level showed a slight decrease in 2021-22 compared to the previous year. Government schools had the highest enrolment share, followed by private unaided schools.
Table 5: Enrolment at Elementary Level: 2021-22
| Management | 2017-18 | %age | 2019-20 | %age | 2020-21 | %age | 2021-22 | Change
Over Previous Year |
%age | % Share of Elementary to Total Enrolment, 2021-22 |
| Government | 105828898 | 56.34 | 101682222 | 54.5 | 104492647 | 55.62 | 111057666 | 6565019 | 6.28 | 58.88 |
| Aided
Management |
13978909 | 7.44 | 13366824 | 7.16 | 12828918 | 6.83 | 12856944 | 28026 | 0.22 | 6.82 |
| Private
Unaided |
60860037 | 32.4 | 64999102 | 34.84 | 64098229 | 34.12 | 58949623 | -5148606 | -8.03 | 31.25 |
| Others | 7158778 | 3.81 | 6511942 | 3.49 | 6455696 | 3.44 | 5768709 | -686987 | -10.64 | 3.06 |
| Total 1 to 8 | 187826622 | 100 | 186560090 | 100 | 187875490 | 100 | 188632942 | 757452 | 0.40 | 100 |
Source: UDISE+, different years.
Enrolment Ratio: The gross enrollment ratio (GER) remained relatively stable for primary, upper primary, and elementary levels. However, the GER was slightly decreased for secondary and higher secondary levels.
Table 6: Enrolment Ratio: All-India, 2020-21 & 2021-22
| Level
|
GER | NER | Adjusted NER | ASER* | ||||
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Primary | 103.3 | 103.4 | 92.7 | 88.6 | 98.6 | 99.1 | 98.6 | 99.1 (6-10 years) |
| Upper Primary | 92.2 | 94.7 | 74.1 | 71.3 | 84.4 | 87.3 | 91.6 | 92.2 (11-13 years) |
| Elementary | 99.1 | 100.1 | 92.1 | 90.5 | 96.0 | 96.5 | 96.0 | 96.5 (6-13 years) |
| Secondary | 79.8 | 79.6 | 52.5 | 47.9 | 61.8 | 64.7 | 73.4 | 72.8 (14-15 years) |
| Higher Secondary | 53.8 | 57.6 | 34.7 | 34.2 | – | – | 46.3 | 42.4 (16-17 years) |
Source: UDISE+ 2020-21& 2021-22 *ASER: Age-specific enrolment ratio.
- Computer, Internet Facilities: The availability of facilities like electricity, internet, and computers in schools showed improvement over the years, with an increase in the percentage of schools with these facilities. However, still, the majority of schools in India do not have internet facilities and computers in the schools.
Table 7: Computer, Internet Facilities
| Facility | All Schools | ||
| 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Electricity | 80.2 | 83.9 | 86.6 |
| Internet | 22.3 | 24.5 | 33.9 |
| Computer | 39.0 | 41.3 | 44.9 |
Source: UDISE+, different years.
- Efficiency Indicators: Dropout rates showed a mixed trend, with primary and upper primary dropout rates decreasing but secondary dropout rates increasing. Transition rates from primary to upper primary and elementary to secondary showed improvement. Retention rates were relatively high, with higher rates at lower levels than higher ones.
Table 8: Efficiency Indicators
| Indicator 2021-22 | Boys | Girls | Total | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
| Dropout Rate | |||||
| Primary | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Upper Primary | 2.7 | 3.3 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 1.9 |
| Secondary | 13.0 | 12.3 | 12.6 | 16.1 | 14.6 |
| Transition Rate | |||||
| Primary to Upper Primary | 93.1 | 93.4 | 93.2 | 92.8 | 92.1 |
| Elementary to Secondary | 89.7 | 87.8 | 88.8 | 91.4 | 91.3 |
| Secondary to Higher Secondary | 77.6 | 79.3 | 78.4 | 71.6 | 73.3 |
| Retention Rate | |||||
| Primary (1 to 5) | 94.9 | 96.0 | 95.4 | 87.0 | 95.3 |
| Elementary (1 to 8) | 80.5 | 82.1 | 81.2 | 74.6 | 80.9 |
| Secondary (1 to 10) | 64.9 | 64.5 | 64.7 | 59.6 | 61.5 |
| Higher Secondary (1 to12) | 43.1 | 44.2 | 43.6 | 40.2 | 42.8 |
Source: UDISE+, different years.
It is important to note that the data provided is specific to 2020-21 and 2021-22 and represents the trends and patterns observed during that period.
With the present status, can India achieve the goal of universal school education?
Based on the data provided, it is challenging to make a definitive assessment of whether India can achieve the goal of universal school education. Achieving universal school education requires ensuring access to quality education for all children, improving enrollment rates, reducing dropout rates, enhancing infrastructure and facilities, and addressing educational disparities.
While the data show improvements in specific areas, such as increased enrollment and availability of facilities like electricity, internet, and computers in schools, there are still areas of concern. For example, the decline in the number of schools and the decrease in enrollment at the secondary level indicate potential challenges in providing access to education for all.
Additionally, issues such as high dropout rates at the secondary level and disparities in enrollment between government and private schools need to be addressed. There is also a need to improve efficiency indicators like retention and transition rates at various education levels.
Achieving universal school education requires concerted efforts from the government, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders. It involves addressing infrastructure gaps, ensuring quality education, promoting inclusive policies, and prioritizing education as a fundamental right. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of educational initiatives and implementing targeted interventions are essential to progress toward universal school education.
While the data provided offers insights into the education landscape, a comprehensive analysis that includes additional factors like government policies, budget allocation, and educational reforms would be necessary to accurately assess India’s progress toward achieving universal school education.
What efforts has India made to achieve the unfinished task?
India has been trying to achieve universal school education and address the unfinished task of providing quality education for all. Some of the critical efforts include:
- Right to Education Act: The Right to Education (RTE) Act was enacted in 2009, making school education a Fundamental Right for All Children: 6 to 14 years. The act focuses on providing free and compulsory education, improving infrastructure, and ensuring the quality of education.
- Sarva/Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): SSA is a flagship program to universalize elementary education in India. It focuses on improving school access, quality, and retention, especially in marginalized areas. SSA provides infrastructure development, teacher training, and learning materials to enhance the educational system.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme aims to improve nutrition and increase school attendance. Free meals are provided to children in government and government-aided schools, encouraging enrollment and reducing dropout rates.
- Digital Education Initiatives: Several digital initiatives have been launched to bridge the digital divide and promote access to quality education. This includes the Digital India campaign, National Digital Literacy Mission, and online educational platforms offering digital learning resources.
- National Skill Development Mission: Recognizing the importance of skill development, the government has launched initiatives like the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana to provide vocational training and improve employability prospects for youth.
- Infrastructure Development: Efforts are being made to improve school infrastructure, including providing basic facilities like electricity, clean water, toilets, and digital infrastructure in schools nationwide.
- Equity and Inclusion: Initiatives are being taken to address disparities and promote inclusive education. This includes efforts to improve access to education for marginalized communities, girls, children with disabilities, and children from economically weaker sections.
- Quality Enhancement: The focus is on improving the quality of education through curriculum reforms, teacher training programs, and innovative teaching methods. Accreditation systems and monitoring mechanisms are being strengthened to ensure accountability and maintain quality standards.
These are some of the significant efforts in India to achieve the unfinished task of universal school education. However, continuous efforts, policy reforms, and adequate resource allocation are essential to overcome challenges and achieve quality school education for every child in the Country.
