ASER 2024 Reveals Stagnant Learning Outcomes in Rural India Despite Near-Universal School Enrollment

New Delhi, April 28, 2025 – The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, released by the Pratham Foundation, paints a sobering picture of India’s rural education landscape. While the report celebrates near-universal school enrollment, it raises alarms over stagnant learning outcomes, with half of Grade 5 students unable to read Grade 2-level texts or solve basic division problems. Conducted across 700 districts and covering thousands of households, ASER 2024 underscores the urgent need to bridge learning gaps as India strives to meet the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s ambitious goals.

Steady Enrollment, Stagnant Learning

ASER 2024 confirms that over 98% of children aged 6-14 in rural India are enrolled in schools, a testament to the success of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. However, the report reveals little progress in foundational skills. Only 50% of Grade 5 students can read a Grade 2-level text, a marginal increase from 47% in 2018, and just 45% can solve simple division problems, showing no significant improvement. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu outperform others, but larger states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar continue to lag, highlighting regional disparities.

“The numbers are a wake-up call,” said Dr. Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham. “Enrollment is no longer the issue—ensuring children learn foundational skills is the real challenge.”

Lingering Impact of COVID-19

The report attributes part of the stagnation to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted schooling from 2020 to 2022. Children in lower grades, who missed critical early learning years, show weaker reading and arithmetic skills. The digital divide further exacerbated inequities, with only 25% of rural households having access to smartphones or computers for education during lockdowns. While government and NGO-led remedial programs have helped, the report warns that learning losses remain unaddressed for many.

Progress and Challenges

ASER 2024 notes some positive trends. Private school enrollment has risen to 30%, up from 28% in 2018, reflecting parental aspirations for better education. School infrastructure has improved, with 80% of schools now equipped with functional toilets and drinking water. Parental engagement has also grown, with 60% of parents reporting regular interaction with schools.

However, challenges persist. Children from marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), show lower learning outcomes, underscoring the link between poverty and education. Teacher preparedness for delivering foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) curricula, a cornerstone of NEP 2020, remains inadequate in many regions. Language barriers in linguistically diverse areas further complicate learning.

Policy Implications

The report aligns with NEP 2020’s emphasis on universal FLN by Grade 3, praising initiatives like the NIPUN Bharat mission. Yet, it calls for stronger implementation, particularly in low-performing states. Recommendations include scaling up activity-based learning, investing in teacher training, and bridging the digital divide to ensure equitable access to resources. The report also urges greater community involvement through school management committees and awareness campaigns.

“ASER 2024 gives us a clear roadmap,” said a Ministry of Education spokesperson. “We’re committed to leveraging this data to strengthen foundational learning and meet NEP targets.”

A Call to Action

The release of ASER 2024 has sparked debate among policymakers, educators, and civil society. Educationists argue that without addressing learning gaps, India risks undermining its demographic dividend. Media outlets have called for state governments to act on ASER’s findings, with editorials emphasizing accountability. Pratham has pledged to expand its remedial programs, while NGOs and community groups are mobilizing to support local schools.

As India approaches the NEP’s 2026 deadline for universal FLN, ASER 2024 serves as both a reality check and a rallying cry. By addressing its findings, stakeholders can ensure that rural India’s children not only attend school but also acquire the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.