A significant revelation has emerged from the Ministry of Education’s UDISE 2025-26 report. Over the past two years, enrollment in government schools has dropped by approximately 8.6 million students. Here is what the full report says.

A major shift has been observed in the number of students attending government and private schools across the country. According to the UDISE 2025-26 report released by the Ministry of Education, the number of students in government schools has declined rapidly over the last two years. Conversely, the number of students in private schools has increased. These figures indicate that a large number of parents are now enrolling their children in private schools.

Drop of 8.6 Million Students in Government Schools Over Two Years

According to the Ministry of Education’s UDISE 2025-26 report, a decline of approximately 8.6 million students in government schools was recorded between the 2023-24 and 2025-26 academic sessions. This shift is considered significant for the country’s school education system. Such a substantial drop in student numbers signals a decline in the trend of enrolling in government schools compared to the past.

Over 8.8 Million New Students Joined Private Schools

The report also reveals that, during the same period, more than 8.8 million new students enrolled in recognized, unaided private schools. In other words, while government schools saw a drop in student numbers, private schools gained a large number of new students. This clearly indicates that many families now prefer private schools for their children’s education.

What is the UDISE Report?

UDISE—Unified District Information System for Education—is a comprehensive data system covering all schools in the country. It compiles key statistics annually, including the number of schools, student enrollment, teacher details, school facilities, and other crucial education-related data. The government assesses the state of the education system and formulates future plans based on this report.

Why are enrollment trends shifting?

The report does not cite a single reason for the decline in student numbers in government schools. However, education experts believe that many parents are turning to private schools due to factors such as superior academics, English-medium instruction, modern amenities, digital classrooms, better results, and extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, factors such as the merger of government schools, low student enrollment, and demographic shifts in various states may also be influencing the data.

Why is this report significant for the government?

Following the release of the UDISE 2025-26 report, it is expected that central and state governments will analyze the data and potentially launch new initiatives to strengthen government schools. Significant measures may be taken in the near future to improve the education system, provide better facilities for students, and boost public confidence in government schools. Education experts emphasize that the availability of quality education in both government and private schools is paramount, ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to build a better future.