India’s school education system has achieved one of its biggest milestones, bringing almost all children into the education system, but the next challenge is ensuring that students achieve strong learning outcomes, according to the ETEducation White Paper 2026: “India’s Education: 25 Years On, The Road to 2035”.
The report highlights that India’s school education journey has undergone a major shift over the last two decades. The focus has moved from increasing enrolment and building access to improving the quality of learning, foundational skills and classroom outcomes.
Near-universal enrolment marks major milestone
India achieved 98.1% school enrolment in 2023, reflecting the scale of expansion in access to education. This transformation has been supported by initiatives focused on improving school participation, infrastructure and inclusion, helping India move closer to universal school access.
However, the report highlights that access alone is no longer the defining challenge.
The next challenge: Are students learning effectively?
With enrolment levels improving, the education debate has shifted towards learning outcomes. The report points towards the growing importance of foundational literacy and numeracy, particularly through initiatives such as NIPUN Bharat, which aim to strengthen basic learning skills among students.
The central question for school education has changed from:
“Are children entering schools?” to “Are children learning effectively?”
Technology becomes a major force in school education
Alongside policy reforms, technology has become a significant driver of change in school education.
Digital platforms and learning tools have expanded access to educational resources, with initiatives such as DIKSHA playing a major role in digital learning adoption. The report highlights 182.3 million enrolments on DIKSHA, reflecting the scale at which digital education platforms have expanded across India.
The road to 2035: Quality and equity
As India moves towards 2035, the report suggests that school education priorities will increasingly focus on:
- improving foundational learning
- strengthening teacher capacity
- using technology effectively
- ensuring equitable learning opportunities
India’s school education journey shows a transition from expanding access to improving outcomes. The next phase will depend on how effectively the system converts enrolment gains into stronger learning achievements.
Download the complete ETEducation White Paper 2026, “India’s Education: 25 Years On, The Road to 2035”, featuring insights on India’s education transformation, AI, employability and future reforms. [Download Report]
