Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2024-25 in Parliament, emphasizing the critical role of education and human capital development in national progress. The Survey highlights key trends and initiatives in school and higher education, underscoring the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
India’s school education system serves 24.8 crore students across 14.72 lakh schools, supported by 98 lakh teachers, according to UDISE+ 2023-24. Government schools form 69% of the total, enrolling 50% of students and employing 51% of teachers, while private schools account for 22.5% of institutions, enrolling 32.6% of students and employing 38% of teachers.
NEP 2020 aims to achieve a 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by 2030. Currently, GER is almost universal at the primary level (93%), with efforts ongoing to improve GER at the secondary level (77.4%) and higher secondary level (56.2%). The school dropout rate has declined, with current figures at 1.9% for primary, 5.2% for upper primary, and 14.1% for secondary levels.
The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights significant improvements in school infrastructure. The availability of computers in schools increased from 38.5% in 2019-20 to 57.2% in 2023-24, while internet accessibility rose from 22.3% to 53.9% in the same period. The government is integrating digital education and emerging technologies to enhance learning outcomes.
Several initiatives have been launched under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, such as NISHTHA, Vidya Pravesh, DIETs, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), DIKSHA, STARS, PARAKH, PM SHRI, ULLAS, and PM POSHAN, to strengthen foundational learning, teacher training, and student support.
To reinforce Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), the government introduced Aadharshila and Navchetana in April 2024. Navchetana is designed for children from birth to three years, offering a structured 36-month stimulation calendar, while Aadharshila promotes play-based learning for ages three to six. The National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) aims to ensure that all children achieve foundational literacy by Grade 3 by 2026-27.
India’s higher education system continues to expand, with enrollment increasing from 3.42 crore students in 2014-15 to 4.33 crore in 2021-22, reflecting a 26.5% growth. GER for students aged 18-23 years has also risen from 23.7% in 2014-15 to 28.4% in 2021-22. The government aims to increase GER to 50% by 2035, which requires significant expansion in educational institutions and infrastructure.
To accommodate this growth, the number of higher education institutions (HEIs) rose by 13.8%, increasing from 51,534 in 2014-15 to 58,643 in 2022-23. Key institutional expansions include:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): Increased from 16 in 2014 to 23 in 2023.
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs): Grew from 13 in 2014 to 20 in 2023.
- Medical colleges: Almost doubled, from 387 in 2013-14 to 780 in 2024-25.
- Universities: Increased from 723 in 2014 to 1,213 in 2024, marking a 59.6% rise.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 continues to guide reforms in the education sector, aiming to create a multidisciplinary education system by 2040. The government is focusing on:
- Increasing scholarships for disadvantaged students.
- Expanding online education and Open Distance Learning (ODL).
- Enhancing research, skill development, and employability.
Skill education has gained prominence with the advent of Industry 4.0, emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI), automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and robotics. Digital literacy is being integrated into education to equip students with analytical and communication skills. To support educators, the government has introduced TeacherApp, a digital platform for professional development.
Additionally, investments in research, innovation, industry-academic partnerships, and faculty development are seen as crucial for enhancing the overall quality of education.
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The government has allocated funds under Samagra Shiksha for Children with Special Needs (CwSN), ensuring access to assistive devices, Braille materials, and therapeutic support. Infrastructure upgrades include ramps in 11.35 lakh schools, handrails in 7.7 lakh schools, and accessible toilets in 5.1 lakh schools.
With these significant investments and policy reforms, India is poised to become a global leader in education, working towards a knowledge-driven economy and inclusive learning ecosystem. The focus on higher enrollment, digital transformation, skill development, and accessibility will be instrumental in achieving India’s education goals by 2035.
