Economic Survey says government aims to increase GER to 50% by 2035 in higher education

Economic Survey 2025 highlights education challenges, including high medical education costs, and emphasizes early childhood education and emotional learning.

The Economic Survey 2025 has flagged achieving foundational numeracy literacy, early education, emotional learning, as well as the high cost of medical education in a section on education.

Noting that the expenditure on education has grown at a CAGR of 12% from ₹ 5.8 lakh crore in FY21 to ₹9.2 lakh crore in FY25 (BE), it said achieving the National Education Policy 2020 goal of 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio at primary was achievable. It says enrollment is near universal at primary, 77.4% at secondary and 56.2% at higher secondary. Though dropout rates have declined steadily, retention rates are still worrying. For instance, it is only 46% at higher secondary.

The survey talks about the importance of early education since much of brain development happens young before six years. To strengthen the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) landscape, the government has launched the National Curriculum for ECCE, Aadharshila, and the National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation, Navchetana, in April 2024. “An objective is to improve the quality of ECCE delivered at the Anganwadi centre by prioritising competency-based lesson plans and activities presented in a simple and user-friendly manner.” ECCE is key to achieving full Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN).

The survey stresses that pedagogies beyond teacher-driven processes are needed to improve FLN and flagged several initiatives by state governments. It says: “Peer teaching is a promising solution, where students learn by teaching and supporting their peers. In classrooms with limited resources and high student-teacher ratios, it provides scalable, accessible support tailored to students’ needs. As ‘Student Champions,’ older or more knowledgeable students help guide younger or struggling peers through foundational concepts.”

The survey notes successes achieved by peer learning saying Karnataka’s Anekal block shows increased learning outcomes in numeracy for students by 15% compared to students who did not participate in the programme. Similarly, in Bhagalpur, structured peer interactions have helped bridge reading and numeracy gaps among children who could not meet age-appropriate learning milestones.

The success of school education hinges not just on the student’s academic achievements but also on enhancing their social and emotional learning (SEL). A good education enhances a child’s mental and physical health, academic performance, and life skills. ECCE under NEP 2020 aims to achieve foundational literacy and socio-emotional development.

Incorporating SEL from an early age equips children with essential skills that foster resilience and academic success. It also plays a crucial role in preventing future mental health issues and setting the foundation for a healthier society.