Uneven distribution of secondary schools: Economic survey (2025-26)

Economic Survey 2025–26 highlights the uneven distribution of secondary schools in India, its regional disparities, socioeconomic impact, and policy implications for inclusive education.

Table of Contents

Context

The Economic Survey 2025–26 assesses progress toward the NEP 2020 target of raising Expected Years of Schooling to 15. It flags the uneven distribution of secondary schools, especially in rural areas, as a key cause of low retention. High dropout rates are linked to economic pressures and domestic responsibilities. The Survey also calls for internationalising higher education and strengthening State capacity.

Key points

- NEP 2020 Target: Aim to raise Expected Years of Schooling (EYS) from 13 to 15 years under the 5+3+3+4 schooling structure (ages 3–18.2).
- Core Challenge: Uneven distribution of secondary schools limits retention of students, especially at higher grades.

Availability of Secondary Schools: Only 17% of schools in rural areas offer secondary education.

- - About 38% of schools in urban areas offer secondary education.

Out-of-School Adolescents: Nearly 2 crore children aged 14–18 are out of school (PLFS 2023–24)

- - The largest share of out-of-school children is at the secondary level.

Net Enrolment Ratio (NER): Secondary age-specific NER is 52.2%, indicating low retention beyond Grade VIII.

Main Reasons for Dropouts: Economic necessity: 44% drop out to supplement household income.

Gendered impact:

- - - Over 67% of boys cite income support as the main reason.
    - 55% of girls cite domestic and care responsibilities.

Skilling and Vocational Education: Only 0.97% of adolescents (14–18) received institutional skills.

- - 91.94% received no formal skills training.
  - The survey stresses the urgent need for school-based vocational and skills education.
- Higher Education Reforms: Push to “internationalise” higher education.
  - Emphasis on building State capacity and academia-industry collaboration.
  - Over 81% of higher education enrolments are in State institutions.

Regulatory Reform: Viksit Bharat Shiksha Abhishthan Bill, 2025 aims to replace fragmented and overlapping regulations.

Institutional Expansion: India has 23 IITs, 21 IIMs, and 20 AIIMS.

- - Two international IIT campuses established in Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi.
Government View: Education reforms linked to improved enrolments, innovation index, and inclusive growth