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Beyond Primary: India Struggles to Keep Girls in Secondary School
29 Jul
Summary
- Secondary school dropout rate for girls was 8% in 2025-26.
- Primary school retention for girls is nearly universal.
- Social, financial, and domestic factors cause dropouts at adolescence.
India has achieved near-universal enrollment and retention for girls in primary education, with a dropout rate of just 0.1%. However, a significant challenge persists in secondary education. In 2025-26, the dropout rate for girls in secondary school stood at 8%, an improvement from previous years but indicating a persistent issue.
The transition to adolescence marks a critical point where many girls' educational journeys halt. Data from UDISE+ reveals that while upper primary retention is strong at 96.6%, the figure drops sharply by the secondary stage. This jump suggests that India's focus must shift from enrollment to ensuring continued attendance.
Several factors contribute to girls discontinuing their studies. These include the need to supplement family income, increased household responsibilities, and the perception that higher education is not essential for daughters. State-wise data, such as Ladakh's 15.6% dropout rate, suggests the issue is complex and not solely linked to poverty.
Interventions like improved sanitation facilities, with 95.4% of government schools having functional girls' toilets by 2025-26, are ongoing. Additionally, initiatives focus on menstrual hygiene awareness and support. Despite progress in enrollment, retaining girls through secondary school remains India's most significant educational challenge.
