India news : India School Education: The total number of schools in India has declined over the past eight years, while student enrolment has also fallen, according to figures cited in a media report. The number of schools dropped from 15.5 lakh in 2018-19 to 14.6 lakh in 2025-26.
Student enrolment also declined from 26 crore in 2018-19 to 24.7 crore in 2025-26. The report further stated that around 11.1 crore children aged between 3 and 17 were outside school education in 2025-26.
‘School Theek Karo’ campaign raises concerns
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) recently launched the ‘School Theek Karo’ campaign, raising concerns over poor infrastructure, shortage of teachers and inadequate facilities in government schools in rural areas.
The campaign also highlighted the decline in the number of government schools, falling student enrolment and increasing dependence on private schools.
Student enrolment also declines
According to the figures cited in the media report, total student enrolment in the country stood at around 26 crore in 2018-19. By 2025-26, the number had declined to 24.7 crore.
Despite the fall in school numbers and enrolment, the student-teacher ratio has improved. The average ratio declined from one teacher for every 27 students in 2018-19 to one teacher for every 24 students in 2025-26.
However, the report stated that the improvement was mainly due to a decline in the number of students rather than an increase in the number of teachers.
Around 11.1 crore children outside school education
In 2025-26, around 31 per cent of eligible children were not enrolled in schools, according to the figures cited in the report. This means that approximately 11.1 crore children aged 3 to 17 were outside school education.
The report stated that the situation has continued for the past eight years.
Basic facilities improve, digital resources remain limited
Most government schools have basic facilities. Around 99 per cent of government schools have access to drinking water, while 94 per cent have electricity and 96 per cent have toilet facilities.
However, digital infrastructure remains limited. Only 25 per cent of schools have computers, 16 per cent have projectors and six per cent have digital libraries.
Share of education budget also declines
Along with the decline in the number of government schools, the share of the education budget has also fallen.
The share of the Department of School Education and Literacy in the total Central Budget was 1.9 per cent in the 2010 financial year. By the 2026 financial year, it had declined to 1.4 per cent.
