MoSPI COMPREHENSIVE MODULAR SURVEY: EDUCATION 2025

Context

India has recorded a remarkable improvement in school retention, with dropout rates halving in just two years. According to the Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education 2025, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), this achievement reflects the combined impact of government schemes, policy reforms, and community participation. If sustained, these gains could bring the country closer to achieving universal school completion within a decade.

About the Survey

• Conducted by: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
   
• Timeline: April–June 2025.
   
• Framework: Part of the 80th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS).
   
• Objective: To assess trends in school enrolment, dropout, expenditure, and equity in education.
   

Key Findings of the Survey

1. Dropout Decline

• Secondary Level: Dropped to 8.2% (2024–25) from 13.8% (2022–23).
   
• Middle Level: Declined to 3.5% from 8.1%.
   
• Preparatory Stage: Reduced to 2.3% from 8.7%.
   This sharp turnaround indicates effective interventions at the foundational and middle-school levels.
   

2. Structural Turnaround
 Several flagship programmes and policy measures are credited for this progress:

• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Integrated approach to school education.
   
• Mid-Day Meal (PM POSHAN): Improved nutrition and attendance.
   
• Scholarships & Incentives: Encouraged participation of vulnerable groups.
   
• NEP 2020 Flexibility: Allowed multiple entry-exit points and skill-based learning, reducing academic pressure.
   

3. Affordability Challenge
 Household expenditure on education continues to rise:

• Government Schools: ₹2,639 (rural) and ₹4,128 (urban).
   
• Private Unaided Schools: ₹19,554 (rural) and ₹31,782 (urban).
   The wide gap highlights growing concerns of affordability and equity.
   

4. Secondary Fragility
 Despite improvements, dropout risks remain high among adolescents due to:

• Family income pressures and early entry into the workforce.
   
• Limited access to higher-secondary schools, especially in rural areas.
   
• Social barriers like child marriage and gender discrimination.
   

5. Long-Term Outlook
 If affordability and access challenges are addressed, India could achieve universal school completion within the next decade, laying a strong foundation for human capital development.

Broader Significance

For Social Justice :

• Demonstrates effectiveness of schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and NEP 2020.
   
• Highlights continuing challenges in equity, especially for marginalized groups.
   

For Indian Society :

• Literacy growth strengthens social empowerment.
   
• Reduced dropouts among vulnerable groups can transform intergenerational opportunities.
   

For Economic Development :

• Improved retention contributes to human capital formation.
   
• Supports India’s quest to harness its demographic dividend.
   
• Better-educated youth can contribute to higher productivity and innovation.
   

Conclusion

The MoSPI Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education 2025 underlines India’s progress in curbing school dropouts through targeted schemes, policy innovation, and community efforts. However, the rising cost of education and persistent vulnerabilities in secondary schooling require urgent attention. Balancing access, affordability, and quality will be key to sustaining momentum and ensuring that India moves decisively toward universal school education in the coming decade.