- The article discusses the disparities in India’s education system, highlighting the findings of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024.
- It emphasizes the need for reforms inspired by successful international education models, particularly Finland.
Key Points
Regional Disparities
- Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Mizoram excel in literacy and numeracy, with reading levels above 64% among Class 5 students.
- Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh struggle with basic educational outcomes, indicating a significant regional divide.
Challenges in the Education System
- Rote Learning: The persistence of rote learning hampers critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Teacher Quality: Many schools have untrained or underqualified teachers, impacting learning outcomes.
- Inadequate Assessments: Current assessment systems fail to measure practical skills and understanding.
Recent Developments in Education
- Enrollment and Dropout Rates:
- Enrollment in pre-primary education increased from 68.1% to 77.4% since 2018.
- Female enrollment surged by 38.4%.
- Dropout rates for 15-16-year-olds declined from 13.1% in 2018 to 7.9% in 2024.
- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN):
- The NIPUN Bharat Mission aims for all children to attain FLN skills by Class 3 by 2026-27.
- Reading ability in Class 3 government schools improved from 16.3% in 2022 to 23.4% in 2024.
- Multidisciplinary Education:
- The NEP 2020 promotes flexible subject choices and arts-integrated learning.
- Introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) standardizes access to universities.
- Expansion of Higher Education:
- Increased scholarships and reservations for marginalized communities.
- Enrollment of SC/ST students in higher education increased by 44% from 2014 to 2023.
Global Recognition
- Indian universities are gaining global recognition, with institutions like IISc Bengaluru ranking 96th in World University Rankings 2025.
- The “Institutions of Eminence” (IoE) initiative helps selected universities improve competitiveness.
Issues in the Education System
- High Dropout Rates: Significant dropout rates in secondary and higher education, especially among girls.
- Teacher Shortages: Approximately 10 lakh teaching positions are vacant in government schools.
- Inequities in Access: Stark divide between rural and urban education, with rural schools lacking basic amenities.
- Rote Learning System: The focus on memorization limits creativity and critical thinking.
- Digital Divide: Many students lack access to digital devices and internet connectivity.
- Skill Mismatch: Many graduates remain unemployable due to a lack of practical skills.
Suggested Measures for Improvement
- Vocational Education: Introduce mandatory vocational training from Class 6 to bridge the skills gap.
- Teacher Empowerment: Continuous professional development for teachers and a blended learning approach.
- Assessment Reform: Shift from rote learning to competency-based assessments focusing on practical skills.
- Digital Infrastructure: Expand initiatives like BharatNet and improve access to technology in rural areas.
- Higher Education Accessibility: Promote flexible degree programs and encourage foreign university campuses in India.
- Increased Public Investment: Raise education spending to at least 6% of GDP to ensure quality improvements.
- Focus on Women’s Education: Expand scholarships for female students in STEM fields and improve facilities for girls.
Way Forward
A comprehensive approach is essential to reform India’s education system, focusing on skill-based learning, teacher empowerment, and equitable access to resources. By addressing regional disparities and embracing digital advancements, India can unlock its educational potential for sustainable growth.