16/12/2025
India has recorded a worrying rise in school dropouts over the last five years. Around 65.7 lakh students left school during this period, according to government data shared in Parliament. Nearly 30 lakh of these students were girls, showing that many families are still struggling to keep their daughters in school.
Gujarat has reported the biggest jump, with a shocking 341% increase in school dropouts. This sudden rise has raised serious concerns among education experts and social groups. Many believe the numbers point to deeper problems in the education system, especially at the secondary school level.
Experts say children drop out for many reasons, such as financial stress, migration for work, lack of nearby schools, and safety concerns, especially for girls. While the government is running schemes to bring children back to classrooms, experts warn that stronger steps are needed to ensure every child gets a chance to complete their education.