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.
Early Childhood Care and Education
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.
Enhancing their social and emotional learning
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.
The survey says the Tim Tim Tare initiative Tim Tim Tare (TTT)53 is a pioneering initiative that aims to impart essential life skills to adolescent students across India. Unlike vocational training, which focuses on technical skills, TTT places emphasis on soft skills—key components of personal growth, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and social well-being. The TTT programme currently reaches more than 10 crore students, with a significant presence in central India and Gujarat.
AI in education
The survey that has a separate chapter on AI talks about leveraging AI for teachers’ professional development and providing AI-driven personal tutors for students. AI can automate tasks like lesson planning, assessment development, and fostering critical thinking, freeing teachers to focus on instruction and mentoring. AI tutors can assist across subjects, offering students the necessary support and allowing them to learn at their own pace and requirements.
Regarding higher education, the Economic Survey 2024-25 says to achieve the government’s goal of increasing GER to 50% by 2035 in higher education, there is a need to double the educational network and infrastructure.
Focus on Medical education and colleges
The survey says there has been a sustained increase in the number of opportunities available for medical education in the previous ten years. Since FY19, the number of medical colleges grew from 499 to 648 in FY23 to 780 in FY25, during which time the MBBS seats increased from 70,012 to 96,077 in FY23 to 1,18,137 in FY25 and post graduate seats increased from 39,583 to 64,059 in FY2378 to 73,157 in FY25. There are 13.86 lakh practitioners of modern medicine registered as of July, 2024,79 which converts into current availability for the whole population of the country in the ratio of 1:1263.80. “The WHO standard norm of 1:1000 seems to be attainable by 2030 with a conservative 50,000 doctors being licensed every year till 2030.”
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued guidelines for determination of fees and all other charges in respect of 50 per cent of seats in private medical institutions and deemed to be universities. Despite such measures, fees remain high – at ₹60 lakh to one crore or more in the private sector which holds 48 per cent of MBBS seats. “By reducing the cost of medical education, we can contribute to lowering healthcare service costs. If universal coverage is the goal, prioritising cost and equity in medical education will be key to achieving it.”
