School Dropout Rates Decline: Ministry of Education Makes Significant Claim

The Ministry of Education informed the Lok Sabha that, according to UDISE+ data, school dropout rates have decreased. Schemes such as Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, and the Mid-Day Meal program have yielded positive results.

The Central Government is implementing various schemes to curb student dropouts and expand access to education for all children across the country. The Ministry of Education reported to the Lok Sabha that a decline in dropout rates at both primary and secondary levels has been recorded over the past year. Additionally, continuous financial assistance is being provided to states to strengthen school infrastructure, digital education, and teacher availability.

Extent of the Drop in Dropout Rates

Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary stated in a written reply that, according to UDISE+ data, the dropout rate at the primary level (Classes 3 to 5) fell from 2.3% to 1.8% between 2024-25 and 2025-26. At the secondary level (Classes 9 to 12), it dropped from 8.2% to 7%. However, at the middle school level (Classes 6 to 8), the rate rose from 3.5% to 3.6%. This indicates an increase in the dropout rate at the middle school level—rising by 0.1 percentage points from 3.5% in 2024-25 to 3.6% in 2025-26.

Support Provided by These Schemes

The Ministry stated that funds are being provided to states and Union Territories under schemes like Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, and STARS to strengthen school infrastructure. These initiatives facilitate the development of additional classrooms, separate toilets for boys and girls, drinking water facilities, electricity, libraries, digital classrooms, and ICT facilities. Furthermore, Mid-Day Meals are being provided to students from the primary level up to Class 8 under the PM POSHAN scheme.

Measures Providing Relief

The government stated that to reduce dropout rates, financial assistance is provided to states for activities such as opening new schools, upgrading existing ones, and establishing Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, residential schools and hostels in tribal areas, as well as providing transport allowances, free books and uniforms, skill education, and ICT facilities.

Schools Being Developed Under the PM SHRI Scheme

According to the Ministry, more than 14,500 schools across the country are being developed as ‘model schools’ under the PM SHRI Scheme. These schools aim to serve as examples for neighboring institutions and implement all key provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

Addressing the issue of teacher shortages, the Ministry noted that education falls under the ‘Concurrent List’; therefore, teacher recruitment is the responsibility of state governments and Union Territories. However, the Central Government provides financial support to states through the Samagra Shiksha scheme to help maintain the Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) in schools in accordance with established standards.

Promoting Digital Education

Platforms like PM eVidya and DIKSHA have been expanded to promote digital education. Under PM eVidya, educational facilities are provided in multiple Indian languages ​​through 200 DTH TV channels and 400 radio channels. Meanwhile, over 3.7 lakh pieces of digital content are available on the DIKSHA platform. Additionally, more than 450 virtual labs and over 100 virtual skill labs have been made available to students. The Ministry states that the objective of these initiatives is to make education accessible, high-quality, and technology-driven.