UDISE+ Report 2025–26 Released: School Education Records Progress in Retention, Infrastructure and Digital Access

Context

The Union Ministry of Education has released the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) Report 2025–26, providing a comprehensive overview of India’s school education system. The report highlights encouraging improvements in enrolment, retention, infrastructure, and digital connectivity, while also identifying critical areas requiring further policy attention.

UDISE+ Report 2025–26

What is UDISE+?

• The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) is India’s flagship school education database and one of the world’s largest education management information systems.
• It covers more than 14.8 lakh schools, 1.02 crore teachers, and over 26 crore students across the country.
• Managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy, it serves as the primary database for monitoring school education, planning reforms, allocating financial resources, and supporting evidence-based policymaking under the National Education Policy (NEP).

Major Findings of the Report

Decline in School Dropouts

• Dropout rates have declined across major stages of schooling.
• Preparatory-level dropout has fallen to 8%, while secondary-level dropout has reduced to around 7%, reflecting better student retention.

Rise in Enrolment and Retention

• Student retention has improved at the middle and secondary stages.
• The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the secondary level has increased, indicating wider access to school education.

Better Student Transition

• Transition rates from foundational to preparatory, middle, and secondary education have improved.
• More students are now continuing their education without major interruptions.

Improved Teacher Availability

• Teacher recruitment has strengthened the Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR).
• Most schools now maintain PTRs well below the NEP benchmark of 30:1, supporting better classroom learning.

Rationalisation of Schools

• The number of single-teacher schools and zero-enrolment schools has declined due to school rationalisation measures.
• This has improved resource utilisation and administrative efficiency.

Growth in Digital Infrastructure

• More schools now have computers and internet connectivity.
• Digital facilities are supporting online education, smart classrooms, and technology-enabled learning.

Improvement in Basic Facilities

• Nearly all schools now provide electricity, drinking water, and functional toilets.
• Women constitute a majority of the teaching workforce, promoting greater gender representation in school education.

Key Challenges

Weak Retention at the Secondary Stage

• Despite improvements in early education, many students continue to leave school before completing secondary education.
• Improving access to higher classes remains a major challenge.

Declining Playground Availability

• The proportion of schools with functional playgrounds has slightly decreased.
• Limited sports infrastructure may affect students’ physical development and extracurricular participation.

Accessibility Gaps for Children with Special Needs (CWSN)

• More than 40% of schools still lack ramps, accessible toilets, and other barrier-free facilities.
• This limits inclusive education for children with disabilities.

Slow Adoption of Sustainable Infrastructure

• Only around 30% of schools have rainwater harvesting systems.
• Green infrastructure and environmental sustainability need greater emphasis.

Continued Presence of One-Teacher Schools

• More than one lakh schools continue to function with only one teacher.
• This places excessive academic and administrative responsibilities on a single teacher and affects learning quality.

Way Forward

Strengthen Secondary Education

• Expand secondary and senior secondary schools in underserved areas to reduce dropouts after middle school.

Promote Inclusive Education

• Upgrade all remaining schools with ramps, accessible toilets, and barrier-free infrastructure to ensure equal educational opportunities for Children with Special Needs.

Encourage Sustainable School Infrastructure

• Promote rainwater harvesting systems and rooftop solar panels through government schemes and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support.

Ensure Minimum Teacher Availability

• Provide at least two full-time teachers in every operational school to improve teaching quality and reduce workload.

Expand Digital Learning

• Connect internet-enabled schools with digital learning platforms such as the National Digital Library and PM e-VIDYA to maximize technology-based education.

Conclusion

The UDISE+ Report 2025–26 reflects significant progress in improving enrolment, student retention, teacher availability, digital infrastructure, and basic school facilities across India. However, persistent challenges such as secondary-level dropouts, accessibility gaps for Children with Special Needs, inadequate sports infrastructure, sustainability concerns, and the continued existence of one-teacher schools highlight the need for sustained policy interventions. Addressing these issues will be essential to achieving the objectives of the National Education Policy and ensuring equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education for every child.

Source : PIB