School enrolment in 3-11 age group declines by 25 lakh; overall enrolment down by 11 lakh
The latest Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) data reveals a significant decline in school enrolment in India. Total enrolment for students aged 3-11 (anganwadi, pre-school, Classes 1-5) dropped by nearly 25 lakh in 2024-25 compared to the previous year. Overall school enrolment (Classes 1-12) fell by 11 lakh students to an all-time low of 24.69 crore. Ministry officials attribute this decline primarily to demographic shifts, specifically falling birth rates, as India's total fertility rate dropped to 1.91 by 2021. Despite the overall drop, enrolment in Classes 6-8 and 9-12 saw slight increases, and Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) improved at middle and secondary levels. Dropout rates also reduced.
Key Points
- School enrolment for children aged 3-11 years has significantly decreased by nearly 25 lakh in 2024-25.
- Overall school enrolment (Classes 1-12) has fallen to an all-time low of 24.69 crore, a drop of 11 lakh students.
- The primary reason for this decline is attributed to demographic shifts and falling birth rates, with India's total fertility rate now below replacement levels.
- Despite the overall decline, there were slight increases in enrolment for middle and secondary school age groups.
- Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) has improved at middle and secondary levels, and dropout rates have also reduced across preparatory, middle, and secondary stages.
Exam Facts
- UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) data was released by the Education Ministry.
- Enrolment in the 3-11 age group dropped by 24.93 lakh in 2024-25.
- Total school enrolment (Classes 1-12) fell to an all-time low of 24.69 crore in 2024-25.
- India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dropped to 1.91 per woman by 2021, which is below the replacement level of 2.1.
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