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UDISE+ Report 2025-26: School Dropout Rates Fall Across Preparatory & Secondary Levels in India
The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has released the UDISE+ Report 2025-26 on July 7, 2026, highlighting significant progress in the country's school education system. One of the key findings of the report is the continued decline in school dropout rates, particularly at the preparatory and secondary stages, indicating improved student retention across India.
The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) is the country's comprehensive database on school education. It collects information from schools nationwide and provides valuable insights into enrolment, infrastructure, teachers, learning outcomes, and student retention, helping policymakers monitor the performance of the education sector.
Dropout Rates Show Consistent Improvement
According to the latest UDISE+ data, the academic year 2025-26 recorded a noticeable decline in dropout rates compared with previous years, including 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25.
At the preparatory level, the dropout rate decreased from 2.3% in 2024-25 to 1.8% in 2025-26.
Similarly, at the secondary level, the dropout rate declined from 8.2% to 7.0%, reflecting a substantial improvement in retaining students through higher grades.
The report indicates that schools across the country are witnessing better student participation and reduced discontinuation of education.
Improved Student Retention
The Ministry of Education noted that the steady decline in dropout rates reflects the positive impact of various educational reforms and student-focused initiatives implemented by the Central and State Governments.
The report states that schools are becoming more inclusive and supportive, enabling students to continue their education without interruption. Improved access to educational facilities, targeted welfare programmes, and enhanced monitoring mechanisms have contributed to keeping children enrolled in schools.
According to the report, the consistent reduction across different educational stages demonstrates that efforts to strengthen school education are yielding measurable results.
Importance of UDISE+
The UDISE+ system serves as an important planning and monitoring tool for India's education sector. It enables governments and education authorities to assess:
- Student enrolment trends
- Dropout rates
- School infrastructure
- Teacher availability
- Digital learning facilities
- Inclusive education indicators
- Academic performance
The data helps formulate evidence-based policies aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of education across the country.
Government Initiatives Supporting Education
The improvement in student retention is also linked to several initiatives introduced to strengthen school education, including:
- Expansion of quality school infrastructure
- Digital learning and smart classrooms
- Mid-Day Meal and nutrition programmes
- Scholarships and financial assistance
- Samagra Shiksha initiatives
- Focus on inclusive and equitable education
- Increased community participation in schooling
These programmes have encouraged higher attendance and reduced the number of students leaving school prematurely.
Significance of the Latest Findings
Lower dropout rates have long-term implications for India's education system and workforce development. Higher retention ensures that more students complete their schooling, improving literacy levels, employability, and opportunities for higher education.
The findings also support the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes universal access to quality education, reduction in dropout rates, and increased participation at all stages of schooling.
Conclusion
The UDISE+ Report 2025-26 highlights encouraging progress in India's school education landscape, with dropout rates falling significantly at both preparatory and secondary levels. The reduction from 2.3% to 1.8% at the preparatory stage and 8.2% to 7.0% at the secondary stage reflects the growing effectiveness of government interventions and school-level support systems. As India continues to strengthen educational infrastructure and student welfare initiatives, the latest UDISE+ findings indicate a positive trajectory towards improved learning continuity, greater student retention, and more inclusive access to education nationwide.
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