24.8 Crore Students, 14.72 Lakh Schools: Economic Survey highlights how India’s education system transformed in 2024

24.8 Crore Students, 14.72 Lakh Schools: Economic Survey highlights how India’s education system transformed in 2024

India’s education system is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by ambitious reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. With 24.8 crore students enrolled across 14.72 lakh schools and supported by 98 lakh teachers, the scale of India’s education sector is unparalleled. The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights key advancements in digital infrastructure, skill education, and inclusivity that are shaping the future of learning in the country.

Expanding Digital Access

The integration of digital infrastructure has been a cornerstone of educational reforms. The number of schools equipped with computers surged from 38.5% in 2019-20 to 57.2% in 2023-24, while internet availability rose from 22.3% to 53.9% in the same period. This leap forward signifies India’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and making e-learning accessible to millions of students.

Declining School Dropout Rates

Efforts to curb school dropouts have yielded remarkable results. The dropout rate now stands at just 1.9% for primary, 5.2% for upper primary, and 14.1% for secondary education. Improved infrastructure, better sanitation, and targeted schemes under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan have played a crucial role in retaining students in the education system.

Early Childhood Education

Recognizing the importance of early childhood learning, the government introduced the National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in 2024. Programmes like Aadharshila and Navchetana are fostering foundational literacy and numeracy through play-based learning and structured activity calendars for children up to six years old.

The Rise of Peer Teaching

To strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, the government launched the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat). Peer teaching, where students assist their peers in learning, has emerged as a successful strategy to achieve these literacy goals.

AI, Digital Literacy, and Skill-Based Education

With the advent of Industry 4.0, equipping students with technology-driven skills has become a priority. The Economic Survey underscores the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and robotics in education. To support teachers in this transition, the government launched TeacherApp, a cutting-edge platform for digital learning and professional development.

Skill education has been further integrated into school curriculums to prepare students for an increasingly digital and automated world. By focusing on digital literacy, India aims to create a workforce that is both competent and future-ready.

Rising Enrolment and Expanding Institutions

India’s higher education ecosystem continues to grow at an impressive pace. The total number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has increased by 13.8%, from 51,534 in 2014-15 to 58,643 in 2022-23. Enrolment figures have also soared, with 4.33 crore students enrolled in 2021-22—a 26.5% rise since 2014-15.

More Institutes, More Opportunities

The expansion of premier institutions is a key highlight of India’s higher education evolution:

• IITs increased from 16 (2014) to 23 (2024)
• IIMs grew from 13 (2014) to 20 (2024)
• Universities expanded from 723 (2014) to 1,213 (2024)
• Medical colleges doubled from 387 (2013-14) to 780 (2024-25)

With a goal to achieve a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035, India is set to double its educational network and infrastructure.

Multidisciplinary Learning and Global Integration

By 2040, all HEIs are expected to become multidisciplinary institutions, aligning with global education trends. To facilitate this transition, the NEP promotes scholarships for underprivileged students, online education, and Open Distance Learning (ODL). These initiatives aim to position India as a global knowledge superpower in the coming decades.

Support for Children with Special Needs

India’s education system is becoming more inclusive, with dedicated support for Children with Special Needs (CwSN). Under Samagra Shiksha, over 11.35 lakh schools now have ramps, 7.7 lakh schools have handrails, and 5.1 lakh schools have accessible toilets. These improvements ensure that differently-abled students receive equitable access to education.

A Vision for 2030 and Beyond

India’s education sector has made commendable strides in accessibility, digital integration, and quality improvement. As the country marches towards achieving a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030, the focus remains on innovation, inclusivity, and skill-based learning. With sustained investments and policy-driven interventions, India is not just educating its youth—it is preparing a generation for a knowledge-driven future.

The year 2024 has been pivotal in this journey, proving that with the right reforms, India’s education system can evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.