NITI Aayog Report Says School Access Is Up, But Retention Is Still A Challenge
A new school education report has highlighted India's progress on access — and the ongoing struggle to keep students in higher classes.
A major education report has found that India has made strong progress in getting children into school, but still faces challenges around retention, learning quality and higher secondary participation.
The report looks at enrolment, infrastructure, equity, learning outcomes and governance. The findings suggest that the next phase of education reform must go beyond access and focus on whether students are staying in school and learning well.
"India's story in 2026 is no longer about catching up — it's about defining what comes next."
India's young population is one of its biggest advantages. But that advantage depends on whether schools can prepare students for a changing economy.
Targeted interventions — mid-day meal expansion, digital labs, vocational pathways and dropout-tracking systems — are emerging as the priority areas for states with the steepest retention gaps.
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