Government Schools Decline Across India as Private Unaided Schools Expand, Centre Tells Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: The Union Government has acknowledged a steady decline in the number of government schools across the country even as private unaided schools continue to expand, raising concerns over the changing nature of India’s public education system. The disclosure was made in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday in response to a question raised by Dr. John Brittas MP.

According to official data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), the total number of government schools in India fell from 10,32,049 in the academic year 2020–21 to 10,13,322 in 2024–25. This amounts to a net loss of 18,727 government schools nationwide over the past five years.

In contrast, private unaided schools have witnessed a sharp rise. Government figures show that their number increased from 3,31,108 in 2023–24 to 3,39,583 in 2024–25, marking the addition of 8,475 private schools in just one year.

State-wise data highlights significant regional disparities. The highest reduction in government schools between 2023–24 and 2024–25 was recorded in Bihar, which saw 1,800 schools shut down. Himachal Pradesh followed with a decline of 492 schools, while Karnataka recorded a decline of 462. Other states witnessing notable decreases include Arunachal Pradesh (289), Maharashtra (273), Assam (267) and Madhya Pradesh (189).

At the same time, Uttar Pradesh emerged as the state with the largest increase in private unaided schools, adding 7,873 such institutions in a single year. Bihar recorded an increase of 2,107 private schools, followed by Assam (755), Telangana (348), Andhra Pradesh (241), Maharashtra (104) and Tripura (90).

The figures underline a growing dependence on private schooling and a contraction of the public education network. The closure of government schools could adversely affect access to affordable and equitable education, particularly for students from marginalised and rural communities