Over 18,000 govt schools shut in five years as private schools expand: Data

Government data tabled in the Rajya Sabha show a steady decline in the number of government schools in India over the past five years, alongside a recent rise in private unaided institutions, pointing to a gradual shift in the country’s school education landscape.

CPI(M) MP John Brittas flagged the trend in Parliament, noting that more than 18,000 government schools have shut down nationwide during this period.

He described the figures as a matter of concern for public education, particularly for communities that rely heavily on state-run schools.

According to official data, the total number of government schools fell from 1,032,049 in 2020–21 to 1,013,322 in 2024–25, marking the closure of 18,727 institutions in five years.

The decline reflects a continued contraction of the public school network, which has traditionally played a central role in providing affordable education in rural and economically weaker regions.

The reduction has been recorded across several states and union territories, indicating a broad-based trend rather than isolated local changes.

While authorities often cite reasons such as rationalization, the merger of low-enrollment schools, and demographic shifts, the scale of closures suggests deeper structural changes in the public education system.

At the same time, private, unaided schools have shown renewed growth. Government data indicate that their number increased from 331,108 in 2023–24 to 339,583 in 2024–25, with 8,475 new private schools added in a single year.

This sharp rise follows minor fluctuations in earlier years and points to strong expansion momentum in the private sector.

Over the full five-year period, government schools show a clear downward trajectory despite small year-to-year variations.

Private unaided schools, in contrast, dipped initially before entering a recovery phase and then registering significant growth in the most recent year.

State-level data reveal uneven patterns. Uttar Pradesh continues to have the highest number of both government and private schools, with private institutions rising to 104,508 in 2024–25.

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have seen notable reductions in government schools, while Karnataka and Maharashtra have recorded relatively stable private school numbers with moderate fluctuations.

West Bengal has experienced declines in both government and private institutions in recent years.

Education experts note that the closure of government schools disproportionately affects rural and remote areas, where public institutions often serve as the primary source of schooling.

Economically weaker families may face added pressure as government schools provide free or subsidized education, mid-day meals, textbooks, and basic infrastructure.

The expansion of private schools reflects growing parental demand for perceived quality but also raises concerns about affordability and widening inequality.

The combined loss of nearly 18,727 government schools and the rapid addition of thousands of private institutions highlight a significant transformation in how education is being delivered in India.

The data have renewed policy debate over whether the country can safeguard educational equity as public infrastructure contracts, or whether increased reliance on private schooling will permanently reshape India’s education system.