Education in India is a multifaceted system deeply rooted in ancient traditions while continuously adapting to contemporary needs. It is governed jointly by the central and state governments, ensuring a nationwide framework for formal education that spans from pre-primary to tertiary levels. The educational structure is broadly divided into four key stages: pre-primary, primary, secondary, and higher education. Institutions of national importance such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have earned global recognition for academic excellence and innovation, serving as pillars of India’s higher education landscape.

Despite significant progress over the decades—including a substantial rise in literacy rates and gross enrollment ratios—India’s education system continues to face challenges. Disparities in access and quality persist, particularly between urban and rural regions, and among different socio-economic and gender groups. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, shortage of trained educators, high dropout rates, and outdated curricula hinder the system’s ability to deliver equitable and effective education to all segments of the population.

In response to these issues, the Government of India introduced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a landmark reform aimed at transforming the educational landscape. The NEP promotes inclusivity, multilingualism, critical thinking, and experiential learning. It emphasizes integrating technology into classrooms, fostering digital literacy, and aligning education with 21st-century skill demands. Moreover, it seeks to create a more flexible and holistic education system, bridging the gap between academic and vocational streams.

This comprehensive compilation of statistical data on education in India—analyzed across states and union territories, and segmented by indicators such as literacy, enrollment, dropout rates, and teacher-student ratios—serves as a vital resource. It provides a robust foundation for evidence-based policymaking, helping stakeholders identify gaps, allocate resources efficiently, and shape future educational strategies to drive inclusive and sustainable development.