CMS:E Survey 2025

The Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education (CMS:E) 2025, part of the 80th Round of the National Sample Survey (NSS), sheds light on key trends and insights in India’s education sector.

1. School Enrolment Patterns:

   • Government schools dominate the enrolment landscape, accounting for 55.9% of total school enrolments.

   • Rural areas continue to rely heavily on government schools, with 66% of students enrolled in government schools, compared to 30.1% in urban areas.

2. Education Spending:

   • Average per-student expenditure on education is much higher in urban India (Rs 23,470) than in rural India (Rs 8,382).

   • This disparity highlights the unequal access to resources between urban and rural regions.

3. Private Coaching:

   • 27% of students engaged in private coaching, with urban students (30.7%) participating more than rural students (25.5%).

4. Sources of Educational Finance:

   • A vast majority of educational expenses are borne by households/family members, constituting 95% of educational funding.

   • Government scholarships play a minimal role, with only 1.2% of students relying on them as their primary source of funding.

Key Developments Shaping India's Education Landscape

1. Digital, Online, and STEM Education:

   • The PM eVidya initiative and increasing investments in edtech (USD 3.94 billion in FY22) are expanding access to education, especially in remote areas.

   • STEM education is receiving a major boost through over 8,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL), fostering creativity and innovation.

2. Vocational & Skill-Based Education:

   • The NEP 2020 integrates skill development at various educational levels to improve employability.

   • Skill India Mission has trained millions, and the Union Budget 2025-26 allocated Rs. 500 crore to create a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education.

3. Rising Private Investment & FDI in Education:

   • 100% FDI is now allowed in the education sector, attracting foreign players and improving infrastructure.

   • The Indian school market is expected to reach USD 125.8 billion by 2032, with Rs. 83,550 crore in FDI inflows (April 2000–Sep 2024).

4. Expansion of Higher Education & Research:

   • India now boasts 1,362 universities and 52,538 colleges (FY25), a 10% growth since 2020.

   • Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) has risen to 28.4%, and initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Research and Innovation in Higher Education (RISE) are fostering research and innovation.

5. Regional Language & Inclusive Education:

   • NEP 2020 emphasizes multilingual education to reduce disparities and preserve cultural identity.

   • PM e-Vidya allocates Rs. 500 crore to create digital learning materials in multiple languages for better access.

Major Challenges Confronting India’s Education Sector

1. Infrastructure Challenges:

   • Rural schools lack essential amenities. For example, only 47% of schools have drinking water, and 53% have separate toilets for girls.

2. Teacher Shortage & Quality:

   • 6% decrease in sanctioned teaching positions between 2021-22 and 2023-24, with over 4,500 secondary teachers lacking proper qualifications. Less than 25% of teachers are properly trained.

3. Inadequate Funding:

   • India spends 3-4% of its GDP on education, far below the global standard of 6% recommended by NEP 2020.

4. Socio-economic Disparities:

   • Tribal and economically disadvantaged children face significant barriers, including language issues, particularly in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

5. Focus on Rote Learning:

   • A significant proportion of students struggle with basic literacy, with 75% of Class 3 students unable to read Grade 2-level text.

6. Technological Barriers:

   • 18.47% of rural schools and 47.29% of urban schools had internet access in 2024, highlighting the digital divide.

7. Gender-Based Barriers:

   • 33% of girls drop out due to domestic work and other gender-specific challenges (UNICEF).

Reforms Needed to Tackle Challenges

1. Infrastructure Investment:

   • Enhance infrastructure in rural and remote schools by providing clean water, electricity, toilets, safe classrooms, and digital resources.

2. Teacher Training:

   • Invest in pre-service and in-service teacher training, focusing on modern pedagogy, subject expertise, and technology integration.

3. Increased Investment:

   • Boost public investment in education, aiming for 6% of GDP as suggested by NEP 2020. Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and targeted grants will enhance both quality and equity.

4. Inclusive Education Policies:

   • Strengthen support for tribal and disadvantaged children, emphasizing multilingual education, bridge courses, and the expansion of schemes like Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

5. Curriculum Reform:

   • Transition from rote learning to competency-based learning with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and project-based learning.

   • Implement formative assessments under initiatives like PARAKH.

6. Digital Divide:

   • Expand broadband connectivity in rural areas and provide affordable devices to students and teachers. Promote digital literacy programs to bridge the gap.

7. Promote Gender Inclusivity:

   • Ensure scholarships, safety measures, and awareness campaigns for girls’ education, particularly in rural areas. Focus on reducing barriers to education for girls.

Conclusion

India’s education system, though poised for transformation under NEP 2020 and supported by initiatives like PM eVidya, faces significant challenges such as infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, and socio-economic disparities. To realize the vision of UN-SDG 4 (Quality Education), the nation must address these challenges through inclusive policies, investment in infrastructure, teacher empowerment, and technological advancements. These efforts will pave the way for an education system that is equitable, innovative, and resilient, ensuring that every child, in every classroom, gets access to quality education.