NEW DELHI: India has achieved a remarkable reduction in school dropout rates, according to a new report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education 2025, conducted during the April-June 2025 period as part of the 80th round of the National Sample Survey, reveals that dropout rates across all educational levels have nearly halved over the past two years.
The survey shows significant improvements at various stages: at the secondary level, dropout rates decreased from 13.8% in 2022-23 to 8.2% in 2024-25. At the middle school level, the rate dropped from 8.1% to 3.5%, while at the preparatory level, it fell from 8.7% to 2.3%.
This sharp decline signals a positive shift in retention, with more students staying enrolled and completing their education. Experts attribute this progress to several government initiatives, including expanded midday meal programs, scholarships for marginalized groups, improved infrastructure under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and the flexibility introduced by the National Education Policy (NEP-2020).
However, the survey also highlights a growing concern regarding the affordability of education. While more students are completing their schooling, household spending on education continues to rise. In rural India, the average annual expenditure per student in government schools was Rs 2,639, compared to Rs 19,554 in private institutions. The gap is even wider in urban areas, where families spend Rs 4,128 in government schools compared to Rs 31,782 in private unaided schools.
In total, 57% of students reported paying course fees, with a significantly higher percentage in private schools. This indicates that many families are stretching their finances to keep their children in school, even as dropout rates decrease. “Improved retention is a success, but maintaining it requires making education affordable. Rising costs could become a major obstacle, especially for low-income households,” said a Ministry of Education official.
The most notable improvements were seen at the preparatory and middle school levels, traditionally more vulnerable to socio-economic pressures. The fact that these stages now have the lowest dropout rates suggests that early interventions are beginning to yield results. However, the secondary level remains a challenge, with many adolescents facing the pressures of household income, early employment, and a lack of nearby higher-secondary schools.
A MoSPI official commented, “India is making steady progress in ensuring that every child not only enters school but also completes their education. The next challenge will be maintaining this retention rate at the secondary level, where aspirations often clash with financial realities.”
The MoSPI report is particularly significant as it provides new national-level data after a seven-year gap, offering key insights for policymakers aiming to achieve universal secondary education and increase Gross Enrolment Ratios. Experts suggest that if the current trend continues, India could reach near-universal school completion within the next decade, provided that affordability and access remain at the heart of future reforms.
