Transgender student enrollment sees sharp rise in schools and colleges

Enrollment of transgender students in schools and higher education institutions across India has increased significantly over the past few years, according to data shared by the Ministry of Education in response to a question by MP Swati Maliwal in the Rajya Sabha.

The number of transgender students enrolled in schools grew from 155 in the 2021–22 academic year to 965 in 2023–24, marking more than a sixfold increase.

Uttar Pradesh led the states with 327 students, followed by Bihar with 282. However, the trend was not consistent across the country.

Rajasthan’s numbers dropped from 107 in 2021–22 to 77 in 2023–24, and West Bengal saw a steep decline from 211 to 62 in the last academic year.

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) also reported a rise in transgender enrollments in colleges and universities.

The count went up from 302 in 2020–21 to 1,448 in 2022–23 (provisional). Uttar Pradesh again reported the highest number with 369 students, followed by Maharashtra (158), Madhya Pradesh (124), Telangana (104), and Tamil Nadu (98).

While the figures reflect growing participation, several regions, such as Ladakh, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep, continue to report negligible or zero enrollment.

Officials said that while the upward trend is a positive sign, greater effort is needed to ensure transgender students not only enroll but also remain in the education system.

The ministry has acknowledged the importance of inclusive learning spaces and emphasized the need for targeted institutional and policy measures.

“Inclusive educational frameworks must be strengthened to address these disparities and provide transgender learners the environment they need to succeed,” said an education ministry official.