The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report has recorded a significant decline in school dropout rates across India, alongside a rise in the number of teachers, according to data released by the Ministry of Education. The lower dropout rates indicate an improvement in student retention across schools, while more teachers have enhanced the Pupil to Teacher Ratio (PTR) at all levels of school education.
Dropout Rates Show Improvement
The UDISE+ report for the academic year 2024-25 shows that the dropout rate at the primary level has fallen to 1.5%, down from 1.8% in the previous year. At the upper primary level, the dropout rate decreased to 2.3% from 2.8%, and at the secondary level, it dropped to 10.2% from 12.6%. The Ministry of Education attributed this improvement to various government initiatives, including the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and mid-day meal schemes, which have encouraged student retention.
Increase in Teacher Numbers
The report also highlights a rise in the total number of teachers in schools across the country. The number of teachers increased from 9.8 million in 2023-24 to 10.2 million in 2024-25, marking a growth of approximately 4.1%. This increase has positively impacted the Pupil to Teacher Ratio, which now stands at 24:1 at the primary level, 19:1 at the upper primary level, and 18:1 at the secondary level, compared to 26:1, 21:1, and 20:1 respectively in the previous year.
Government Initiatives and Impact
The Ministry of Education stated that the improvements are a result of focused efforts under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to a senior official from the Ministry, “The reduction in dropout rates and the increase in teacher recruitment are clear indicators of the success of our policies. We are committed to ensuring every child has access to quality education.” The report also noted an increase in the number of schools with functional toilets, drinking water facilities, and libraries, contributing to a better learning environment.
Regional Variations and Challenges
While national averages show improvement, regional disparities persist. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu reported dropout rates below 1% at the primary level, while some northeastern states and Bihar continue to face challenges, with dropout rates above 5% at the primary level. The Ministry has acknowledged these disparities and plans to allocate additional resources to underperforming regions under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Future Outlook
The UDISE+ report serves as a crucial tool for policymakers to identify gaps and target interventions. The Ministry has set a target to reduce the secondary level dropout rate to below 8% by 2027. With continued investment in teacher training and infrastructure, the government aims to achieve universal retention and improved learning outcomes.
