There has been a marked improvement in the share of students continuing education into higher grades in 2024 compared to 2019, across India, without dropping out of school. Overall, of every 100 girls who started schooling, over 80 completed their secondary education without dropping out in 2024 compared to just 73.5 in 2019. Among boys, the corresponding numbers were 77.2 and 72.4 in 2024 and 2019 respectively, showing an increase, though to a lesser degree.
However, despite this improvement at an all-India level, certain major States such as Karnataka and Rajasthan have recorded significant spikes in students dropping out of upper primary and secondary schools. In Bihar and Assam — States where the dropout rates were already concerning in 2019 — the rates have slipped further in 2024.
