J&K’s Higher-Secondary Enrolment Ratio Falls to 44.8%, NITI Aayog Data Shows

Srinagar, Aug 17: Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher-secondary education stands at 44.8%, reflecting a significant decline in enrolment as students progress from primary education to Classes XI and XII, according to NITI Aayog data.

The figures show a decline across successive stages of schooling. J&K’s primary-level GER stands at 113.7%, falling to 77.3% at the upper-primary level, 66.1% at the secondary level and 44.8% at the higher-secondary level.

The data indicates that while participation is relatively high at the primary stage, enrolment declines substantially as students move towards higher classes.

The 44.8% figure represents the Gross Enrolment Ratio and does not mean that 55.2% of children have dropped out. GER compares total enrolment at a particular level with the population in the official age group for that level and can include students outside the prescribed age group.

However, the decline highlights a significant challenge in retaining students and ensuring their transition to higher levels of school education.

The issue is further underlined by J&K’s secondary dropout rate, which stands at 12.9%, compared with the national figure of 11.5%, according to the data.

The figures raise questions about the factors affecting student retention and transition, including access to schools, household circumstances, distance, affordability and the availability of higher-secondary education.

The challenge may be particularly significant for students living in remote and geographically difficult areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where access to educational institutions can be more limited.

While the primary GER of 113.7% indicates broad participation at the entry level, the decline to 44.8% at the higher-secondary stage underscores the challenge of sustaining enrolment through Classes XI and XII.