BS EDIT: Fixing the foundations

By Business StandardPublished On Aug 25, 2026

A staffing crisis

NCERT has 1,596 vacancies against 2,844 sanctioned posts, while CBSE has 933 vacancies out of 2,117. Such gaps can weaken curriculum development and examination management

From policy to classroom

NCERT is still rolling out textbooks for Classes IX-XII. Faster textbook delivery and teacher training are essential as schools shift towards competency-based learning

The dropout challenge

The sharp fall in enrolment at higher stages reflects gaps in secondary schools, retention strategies and career guidance. In some regions, higher-secondary enrolment remains below

Uneven infrastructure

Only 58.6% of government schools had internet access in 2024-25

Rural schools continue to face shortages in connectivity, classrooms, laboratories, toilets and relevant digital content

Funding the ambition

Education spending stands at 4.1% of GDP, below the NEP’s 6% ambition. The committee has proposed a time-bound financial roadmap and a 10% annual baseline increase

Spending must deliver

Higher allocations must translate into outcomes

Recruitment, teacher training, connectivity and basic facilities should be paired with monitoring of learning, attendance, retention and transition