The Ministry of Education has outlined a multi‑pronged strategy to reduce school drop‑outs and improve enrolment across India. The plan combines physical infrastructure upgrades, financial assistance to states, and large‑scale digital platforms, all aligned with the NEP 2020. The measures target the three school stages – preparatory, middle and secondary – where dropout rates have been a concern in the academic years 2024‑25 and 2025‑26.
Key Developments
- Under centrally‑sponsored schemes such as Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, and STARS, states receive grants for additional classrooms, toilets, drinking water, electricity, libraries, ICT and digital classrooms.
- Financial assistance also supports the opening/strengthening of new schools up to senior secondary level, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalayas, and hostels under PM‑JANMAN and DAJGUA programmes.
- The PM eVidya platform now operates 200 DTH TV channels and 400 radio channels, covering classes 1‑12 in multiple languages.
- The DIKSHA portal hosts over 3.7 lakh pieces of content in mother‑tongue languages, 450+ virtual labs and 100 virtual skill labs, with offline support for low‑connectivity areas.
- States are required to maintain the PTR as per the RTE Act, with central funding to fill teacher vacancies.
Important Facts
According to the UDISE+ report, dropout rates for 2024‑25 were 2.3% (preparatory), 3.5% (middle) and 8.2% (secondary). In 2025‑26, the rates fell to 1.8%, 3.6% and 7.0% respectively, indicating a modest improvement.
Financial grants under Samagra Shiksha and related schemes are channelled through the Annual Work Plan & Budget (AWP&B) of each state and approved by the Project Approval Board (PAB). The central assistance also covers hot‑cooked meals under the PM POSHAN scheme.
Exam Relevance
Understanding these programmes is crucial for GS‑II (Polity) and GS‑III (Economy) questions on education governance, fiscal federalism, and implementation of NEP 2020. The data on dropout trends and the role of centralised schemes illustrate the interplay between Union and State responsibilities, a frequent UPSC theme.
Way Forward
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms using digital dashboards to ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects.
- Expand multilingual digital content on DIKSHA and PM eVidya to reach remote and tribal areas, reducing language barriers.
- Increase teacher recruitment to achieve the prescribed PTR across all states.
- Integrate skill‑based learning modules in school curricula to improve employability and reduce dropout driven by economic pressures.
Collectively, these steps aim to create an inclusive, quality education system that aligns with the constitutional mandate of free and compulsory education for all children.