More Children Are Staying in School: UDISE+ 2025–26 Shows Positive Changes in Every Tier of Enrollment in India’s School System

The recent edition of the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2025–26 shows positive changes to the Net Enrollment Rate (NER) for all four levels of the Indian school system. The most recent data released by the Ministry of Education demonstrated a positive trend towards greater rates of school attendance in the target age groups. This outcome constitutes a positive incremental change towards the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions all Indians accessing education.

Net Enrollment Rates, unlike the Gross Enrollment Rate, which enrolls the total number of students in a specific education level irrespective of age, assesses the age-appropriate enrollment in a specific education level, and is therefore a better and more accurate measure of school participation.

Net Enrollment Increase at All Educational Levels

The UDISE+ 2025–26 shows that for the four educational levels of school, the Net Enrollment Rates for foundational, preparatory, middle and secondary education have all increased over the last academic year.

The data is as follows:

• Foundational Stage: 39.6%
• Preparatory Stage: 69.1%
• Middle Stage: 67.0%
• Secondary Stage: 54.8%

According to the Ministry of Education, the rising figures also show the system’s commitment to satisfactory and progressive school participation and enrollment retention in the formal school system.

Understanding the Data as a Student

When the Net Enrollment Rate goes up, it means more school-age children are enrolled, and fewer children are staying outside of the school system. This is encouraging because it is usually more difficult to retain students after they transition to secondary school.

Increased enrollment rates typically show:

• Increased access to schooling.
• Increased transitions through the school system.
• Increased participation of the eligible age population.
• Increased achievement of the targets of universal education.
• Increased consolidation of the reforms of NEP 2020.

NER is a strong retention indicator for children and is important for education policy analysts and scholars to assess the success of education policies.

In Support Of The Goals Of NEP 2020

The most recent results of UDISE+ fall in line with other positive trends released in 2023 by the Ministry of Education about the improvement of student-teacher ratios, the increase of teachers, and a decrease of school stage-related dropouts.

The NEP 2020 reforms prioritize:

• Universal access to education
• Equity in education
• Reduced dropout rates
• Foundational literacy and numeracy
• Inclusive education

An increased Net Enrolment Rate shows ongoing reforms and policies in education are yielding results.

Challenges Remain Regarding Enrollments

Inevitably, there are important challenges that need addressing despite the notable progress reflected in the increase in NER. Recent reports indicate that age-based enrollment, while improving, has corresponded with a decline in enrollment in government schools, while private schools have recorded an increase in enrollment. Alongside the improvements in accessibility to public schools, the quality and learning outcomes of public schools need to be improved to negate the effects of private school enrollment.

Completing school enrollment remains one of the primary goals of the Indian education reform.

Why Does this Matter

An increase in the NER reflects an increase in the number of children of age entering school and being retained.

The creation of a strong education system that enables the population to be prepared for higher education and the workforce is essential for the development of the country towards its goals of Viksit Bharat 2047. Within the education system, the framework of accessibility, employability, and lifelong learning will be of utmost importance.

Conclusion

The UDISE+ 2025-26 report shows improving Net Enrolment Rates, overall considered a good sign, and that children continue to remain and progress in the formal education system. The overall progress made supports NEP 2020 and the accompanying goals of promoting equitable and inclusive education. The report also notes some areas that need more consideration, such as the differences between regions and the changing patterns of enrolment in government and private schools. Continued progress will require not only enrolment but also the availability of quality formal education and better retention and development of public school infrastructure and children in schools throughout the country.

Click Here for More Latest News