The Ministry of Education has released the latest Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2024–25 report, highlighting significant progress in teacher strength, student retention, digital infrastructure, and gender representation in Indian schools. The report says female representation in the teaching workforce has crossed 54.2%, while girls’ enrolment has risen to 48.3%, reflecting a gradual yet steady shift toward gender equity in education.
As per the statement of the ministry on August 28, for the first time since UDISE+ was introduced, the total number of teachers in India has surpassed one crore during the academic year 2024–25. This marks a 6.7% increase compared to 2022–23, signifying a crucial step toward reducing regional disparities in teacher availability, improving student engagement, and delivering quality education across all levels.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio also shows remarkable improvement and The Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) has reached unprecedented levels, now standing at: Foundational: 10; Preparatory: 13; Middle: 17 Secondary: 21
All these figures are significantly better than NEP 2020’s recommended ratio of 1:30. A lower PTR enables more personalized attention, better classroom interaction, and improved learning outcomes for students.
The report highlights a significant reduction in dropout rates across key stages: Preparatory: 3.7% to 2.3%; Middle: 5.2% to 3.5% Secondary: 10.9% to 8.2%
Simultaneously, student retention rates witnessed notable growth: Foundational: 98.9%; Preparatory: 92.4%; Middle: 82.8%; Secondary: 47.2%
Improved retention, especially at the secondary level, has been attributed to the expansion of schools offering higher classes and sustained interventions to prevent early school exits.
Transition rates—the percentage of students moving to the next level—have also improved:
- Foundational to Preparatory: 6%
- Preparatory to Middle: 2%
- Middle to Secondary: 6%
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) increased to 90.3% at the Middle level and 68.5% at the Secondary level, underscoring enhanced access and participation in higher grades.
Significant improvements were recorded in basic infrastructure:
- Electricity in 6% schools
- Girls’ toilets in 3% and boys’ toilets in 96.2% schools
- Handwashing facilities in 9% schools
- Safe drinking water in 3% schools
Additionally, 54.9% of schools are now equipped with ramps and handrails, marking a strong push towards inclusive education for students with disabilities. A key highlight of 2024–25 report has been the expansion of digital facilities:
- Schools with computer access: 2% to 64.7%
- Schools with internet access: 9% to 63.5%
