Internet in 67.4% of the country’s schools; nearly one-third still lack access

According to UDISE+, internet access in schools has been increasing over the past few years. In 2023-24, 53.9% of schools in the country had internet facilities. This figure rose to 63.5% in 2024-25 and reached 67.4% in 2025-26.

UDISE+ 2025-26 Report: While the scope of digital facilities in the country’s schools is steadily expanding, a large number of schools remain unconnected to the internet. Data from the Ministry of Education’s UDISE+ 2025-26 report indicates that internet connectivity is available in 67.4% of schools nationwide. In the previous academic year, this figure stood at 63.5%, marking a 3.9 percentage point increase in internet access over a single year. Despite this, approximately one-third—or 32.6%—of the country’s schools still lack internet facilities.

Significant improvement in internet connectivity over 3 years

UDISE+ data reveals a consistent rise in internet access in schools over recent years. Internet facilities were available in 53.9% of schools in 2023-24, rising to 63.5% in 2024-25 and 67.4% in 2025-26. Thus, the share of schools with internet connectivity increased by 13.5 percentage points over the three-year period, although 32.6% of schools still do not have access to the internet.

Increase in computer facilities in schools

Continuous improvement has also been observed regarding the availability of computers in schools. In 2024-25, 64.7% of schools had computer facilities; this figure rose to 69.9% in 2025-26, representing an increase of approximately 5.2 percentage points in one year. However, approximately 30.1 percent of schools still lack computer facilities. According to the data, 57.2 percent of schools had computers in 2023-24; this figure rose to 64.7 percent in 2024-25 and 69.9 percent in 2025-26. This gap in the availability of internet and computers indicates that even after computers reach schools, connecting them to the internet remains a significant challenge.

Status of electricity and other facilities in schools

Data from UDISE+ 2025-26 also reveals an improvement in basic school infrastructure. Electricity is available in 95 percent of the country’s schools, while toilets for girls and boys are available in 98.5 percent and 97.2 percent of schools, respectively. Furthermore, 99.5 percent of schools have access to safe drinking water, and hand-washing facilities are available in 96.9 percent of schools.

Decline in the number of single-teacher schools

The report also presented data regarding teacher availability in schools. The number of single-teacher schools stood at 104,125 in 2024-25 and dropped to 100,843 in 2025-26—a reduction of 3,282 schools in a single year. However, the situation varies across states; while some states recorded a significant decrease in the number of single-teacher schools, others saw an increase.

Over 14.67 lakh schools in the country

According to the UDISE+ 2025-26 report, the country’s school education system comprises approximately 14.67 lakh schools, 1.3 crore teachers, and over 24.72 crore students. On average, a school has 7 teachers and 169 students. The national Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) stands at 24:1, meaning there is one teacher available for every 24 students on average. According to the report, this ratio falls within the 30:1 standard recommended by the National Education Policy 2020.