New Delhi, Oct 15: Government schools across India are witnessing a steady decline in student enrolment over recent years, as more parents opt for private institutions in search of better educational opportunities for their children.
Experts attribute this trend to a combination of demographic shifts, changing parental aspirations, and persistent challenges in public education. According to recent government and independent surveys, India’s total fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1, resulting in fewer children entering the school system each year.
However, declining birth rates alone do not explain the scale of the shift. Increasingly, parents—both in urban and rural areas—are choosing private schools due to perceptions of better teaching quality, English-medium instruction, and improved infrastructure.
“Families now view private schools as a path to better employment prospects and social mobility. The perception gap between government and private education has widened significantly,” said an education policy expert.
Data from the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 reveals that in rural India, government school enrolment among children aged 6–14 has dropped from 72.9% in 2022 to 66.8% in 2024. Meanwhile, private school enrolment has seen a consistent rise, even among low-income households.
While public schools continue to play a vital role in ensuring access to education, they face challenges such as teacher shortages, outdated infrastructure, and limited accountability. Educationists warn that if the trend continues, it could deepen inequalities in access to quality education.
“Government schools must focus on improving learning outcomes, modernizing infrastructure, and restoring parental confidence,” said an education researcher.
Despite the challenges, recent data also show signs of improvement. Learning levels in early grades have risen slightly, with more students in government schools able to read and perform basic arithmetic compared to previous years.
Experts say this progress, though modest, highlights that reform and investment can help rebuild the credibility of public education. Strengthening teacher training, ensuring digital access, and creating accountable school management systems are seen as key steps toward reversing the decline.
-OdishaAge
