For the first time in India’s history, the number of school teachers has crossed the one crore mark in the academic year 2024-25, according to the Ministry of Education’s latest UDISE Plus data.
The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) Plus, which compiles nationwide school education statistics, reported a 6.7% rise in the number of teachers compared to 2022-23. The ministry said this increase marks a significant step toward improving student-teacher ratios, bridging regional disparities, and ensuring quality education.
According to the data, pupil-teacher ratios (PTR) have shown remarkable improvement across levels: 10 at the foundational stage, 13 at the preparatory level, 17 at the middle level, and 21 at the secondary level. All of these are well below the National Education Policy’s (NEP) recommended benchmark of 30 students per teacher.
The report also highlighted a decline in dropout rates across stages. Preparatory-level dropouts fell from 3.7% to 2.3%, middle-level from 5.2% to 3.5%, and secondary-level from 10.9% to 8.2% compared to last year. Retention rates improved too, with the preparatory stage rising from 85.4% to 92.4%, middle from 78% to 82.8%, and secondary from 45.6% to 47.2%.
One key factor credited for higher retention at the secondary stage is the increase in the number of schools offering secondary education, which has expanded accessibility and encouraged students to continue their studies.
The UDISE Plus findings also noted a steady decline in schools with zero enrolment and single-teacher schools, thanks to targeted government interventions and better allocation of teachers.
Officials said these trends reflect meaningful progress in India’s education system, with a stronger focus on accessibility, retention, and improved learning outcomes for students.
