Government Schools Lose 86 Lakh Students as Private School Enrolment Rises: UDISE+ Report

Government schools across India have witnessed a significant decline in student enrolment over the past two academic years, while recognised private schools have recorded substantial gains, according to the UDISE+ 2025-26 report released by the Ministry of Education.

The report shows that government school enrolment declined by nearly 86 lakh students between the 2023-24 and 2025-26 academic sessions, whereas recognised private unaided schools added more than 88 lakh students during the same period.

Despite the shift in enrolment, the report also highlights positive developments, including an improved pupil-teacher ratio, fewer single-teacher schools and better student retention at higher grade levels.

What is the UDISE+ report?

The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) is the Government of India's official database for school education.

It tracks key indicators such as:

• Student enrolment
• School infrastructure
• Teacher strength
• Student retention
• School facilities
• Learning-related statistics

The annual report provides policymakers with a comprehensive picture of the country's school education system.

Government schools witness sharp enrolment decline

According to the latest data:

• Government school enrolment fell from 12.75 crore in 2023-24 to 11.89 crore in 2025-26.
• This represents a decline of nearly 86 lakh students over two academic years.

During the same period, recognised private unaided schools experienced steady growth.

Private school enrolment increased from 9 crore to 9.89 crore, adding more than 88 lakh students.

The figures indicate a continuing shift in student preference towards private education in several parts of the country.

Overall enrolment declines slightly

While enrolment patterns changed significantly between government and private institutions, the overall decline in school enrolment across India was relatively modest.

The report states:

• Total enrolment (2023-24): 24.80 crore
• Total enrolment (2025-26): 24.72 crore

Overall enrolment declined by approximately 8.26 lakh students during the two-year period.

Teacher strength improves across India

One of the key positive findings in the report is the increase in the number of teachers.

The teaching workforce grew from:

• 98.08 lakh teachers in 2023-24
• To 1.03 crore (1,02,73,020) teachers in 2025-26

The increase in teacher numbers contributed to an improvement in the national Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR).

Pupil-Teacher Ratio improves

The national PTR improved from:

• 25:1 in 2023-24
• 24:1 in 2025-26

A lower pupil-teacher ratio generally allows teachers to provide more individual attention to students and improve classroom learning.

Fewer zero-enrolment and single-teacher schools

The report also highlights progress in improving school infrastructure and staffing.

Zero-enrolment schools

The number of schools without any enrolled students declined from:

• 12,954 to 5,663

Single-teacher schools

Schools operating with only one teacher also reduced significantly:

• 1.11 lakh
• 1.01 lakh

These improvements indicate better resource allocation and staffing across the education system.

Student retention improves in higher classes

The report records encouraging improvements in student retention, particularly at the middle and secondary levels.

Middle-level retention

• 2024-25: 82.8%
• 2025-26: 83.7%

Secondary-level retention

• 2024-25: 47.2%
• 2025-26: 51.9%

The sharp improvement at the secondary stage suggests more students are continuing their education beyond elementary classes.

Foundational education remains an area of concern

Despite gains at higher grades, the report notes a slight decline in retention at the foundational and preparatory stages.

This reverses the steady improvements recorded between 2022-23 and 2024-25.

Experts say early-grade retention remains crucial because it influences long-term learning outcomes and future school completion rates.

What do the numbers indicate?

The report highlights several important trends shaping India's school education landscape.

Shift towards private education

The migration of students from government to private schools suggests changing parental preferences, though reasons may vary across states.

Improved teacher availability

Higher teacher strength and better pupil-teacher ratios could contribute to improved classroom instruction.

Better school efficiency

The reduction in zero-enrolment and single-teacher schools reflects improvements in school management and resource deployment.

Continued policy focus needed

The decline in foundational-level retention indicates that early childhood education and primary schooling continue to require sustained policy attention.

Featured Snippet

The UDISE+ 2025-26 report reveals that government schools lost nearly 86 lakh students between 2023-24 and 2025-26, while recognised private schools gained over 88 lakh students. The report also records improvements in teacher strength, pupil-teacher ratio and student retention at middle and secondary levels.

Key Highlights

• Government schools lost nearly 86 lakh students in two years.
• Private schools gained over 88 lakh students.
• Total student enrolment declined marginally by 8.26 lakh.
• Teacher strength increased to over 1.03 crore.
• Pupil-teacher ratio improved from 25:1 to 24:1.
• Zero-enrolment and single-teacher schools declined.
• Student retention improved at middle and secondary levels.
• Foundational-level retention recorded a slight decline.

Conclusion

The UDISE+ 2025-26 report presents a mixed picture of India's school education system. While government schools have experienced a significant decline in enrolment and private institutions continue to attract more students, improvements in teacher availability, school staffing and student retention at higher grades point to positive structural changes. Going forward, strengthening government school quality and improving foundational education will remain central to ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students.

FAQs

1. What is the UDISE+ 2025-26 report?

It is the Ministry of Education's annual database tracking school enrolment, teachers, infrastructure and other education indicators across India.

2. How many students left government schools?

Government schools lost nearly 86 lakh students between the 2023-24 and 2025-26 academic years.

3. How many students joined private schools?

Recognised private unaided schools added more than 88 lakh students during the same period.

4. Did total student enrolment decline?

Yes. Overall enrolment declined slightly by around 8.26 lakh students.

5. Has the pupil-teacher ratio improved?

Yes. The national pupil-teacher ratio improved from 25:1 to 24:1.

6. Did the number of teachers increase?

Yes. Teacher strength increased from 98.08 lakh to over 1.03 crore.

7. Which education levels showed better retention?

Middle and secondary education recorded improved student retention during 2025-26.

8. What remains a concern in the report?

Retention at the foundational and preparatory levels declined slightly after improving in previous years.