Government school enrolment drops by 86 lakh in two years, private schools surge: UDISE report
The total enrolment from foundational to secondary level in Indian schools stood at 24.72 crore in 2025-26, compared with 24.80 crore in 2023-24, according to the UDISE+ 2025-26 report released by the Ministry of Education. The data reveals a significant shift in parental preference: government school enrolment fell by nearly 86 lakh students over the two-year period, while private unaided recognised schools gained more than 88 lakh students.
The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) is the Ministry of Education's official database tracking school infrastructure, enrolment, and teacher-related data across the country. The report also highlights positive trends in student retention, with dropout rates declining across key stages of schooling. Additionally, the number of teachers in India crossed the one-crore mark for the first time.
Despite lower dropout rates, the decline in government school enrolment suggests a continued shift in school preferences among families. The report does not specify the reasons for this trend, but it aligns with a broader pattern observed in recent years. Education experts note that factors such as perceived quality of education, infrastructure, and English-medium instruction may influence parental choices.
