Economic Survey Highlights Uneven School Distribution and Need for Higher Education Internationalisation
The Economic Survey 2025-26 points out significant disparities in secondary education, with only 17% of rural schools providing secondary education compared to 38% in urban areas. To convert its 'vast human resource base into high-quality human capital,' the Survey recommends raising the Expected Years of Schooling (EYS) to 15 years, covering ages 3-18.2. It also emphasizes the need to 'internationalise' higher education and build state capacity. Economic pressure remains the primary reason for school dropouts, with 67% of boys citing the need to supplement household income and 55% of girls citing domestic responsibilities.
Key Points
- Only 17% of rural schools offer secondary education, compared to 38% in urban areas.
- The Survey proposes increasing Expected Years of Schooling (EYS) to 15 years.
- Economic constraints and domestic duties are the leading causes of student dropouts.
- Higher education needs internationalisation and increased state capacity.
- Over 81% of higher education enrolments are in State institutions.
Exam Facts
- Rural secondary school availability: 17%.
- Target EYS: 15 years.
- Dropout reason (Boys): 67% for income.
- Dropout reason (Girls): 55% for domestic chores.
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