Around 35% of schools in India enroll fewer than 50 students and operate with just one or two teachers, according to a PRS Legislative Research analysis. The report highlights concerns over inadequate teaching staff, lack of infrastructure, and the impact on learning outcomes.
As per NITI Aayog data, 36% of government schools in India had fewer than 50 students, and nearly 10% had fewer than 20. With such low enrollment, these schools often have only one or two teachers handling multiple grades and subjects, even those outside their expertise. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has flagged this issue, stating that it affects teaching quality and learning outcomes.
Additionally, teachers in these schools are burdened with administrative tasks, further reducing effective teaching hours. Smaller and remote schools also struggle with inadequate infrastructure, such as the absence of science labs, libraries, and sports facilities, which impacts overall student development.
The report also noted significant teacher shortages. As of 2022-23, 16% of teaching posts for grades 1-8 were vacant, with some states facing severe shortages—Jharkhand (40%), Bihar (32%), Mizoram (30%), and Tripura (26%). Further, nearly 12% of teachers at the primary to higher secondary level lacked professional teaching qualifications, and at the pre-primary level, 48% were unqualified.
The Standing Committee on Education has recommended that states expedite teacher recruitment and establish an Autonomous Teacher Recruitment Board to ensure transparency and efficiency in hiring. The report emphasizes the urgent need for structural reforms to improve school conditions, teacher availability, and overall learning outcomes across India.
Also read: Milestones of Indian Education (1999-2024)
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