Understanding the School Education System in India

The Indian school education system has a rich history. The diversity of cultures and languages adds vastness and complexity to our educational landscape. Even though our education system has gained respectable recognition around the world, it’s still riddled with various challenges.


Despite several changes made to our system, many issues still persist. It has become essential to address them as millions of lives are impacted by the Indian education system.Here, we will discuss the Indian school education system in detail along with trying to analyse major challenges and how to resolve them. Keep reading ahead!

Overview of the School Education System in India

The Indian school education system has seen various changes and has undergone major transformation over the years. For instance, there is a lot of difference between pre and post-colonial British rule. Earlier, children used to receive traditional forms of education from the Gurukuls. 

Today, we have adopted a modern education system where the right to education has become a fundamental right. The school education system is wide and intricate. It’s divided into 4 levels, namely pre-primary, primary, upper-primary and secondary. They are overseen by 3 national bodies: the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

If we talk about the types of schools in the country, they can be categorised as government-run, private-run, international and boarding schools, etc. All these schools are associated with boards of education such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), State Boards, the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSC), the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).

In the next section, we focus on the significant issues faced by our education system.

Challenges Faced by School Education System in Indian

The right to education is a fundamental right under Section 21-A of the Constitution of India. According to this, every child of age 6-14 has the right to receive free and compulsory education. However, one of the biggest challenges we face today is access to quality education.

From being plagued by problems like corruption and lack of proper infrastructure to subpar quality and lack of enthusiasm towards improvement, the school education system requires a lot of changes. Let’s first look at some of these current challenges.

Infrastructure

One of the biggest issues we face today is the lack of infrastructure in schools. Many schools lack proper sanitation and hygiene facilities, with inadequate toilets and drinking water access, which affects students’ health and attendance. Additionally, poor classroom conditions, insufficient furniture, and the absence of libraries, laboratories, and digital resources hinder effective learning.

Student-Teacher Ratio

It’s no secret that despite thousands of B. Ed. graduates, there is a shortage of qualified teachers in the country. Due to this, the student-teacher ratio is disproportionate.

Preference for Schools Abroad

Another problem that has recently popped up is the preference for foreign schools. Due to inadequate facilities and other challenges in the country, financially well-off parents choose to send their children abroad for education.

Dropout Rates

The dropout rates are pretty high at primary and secondary levels.Whether due to poverty, patriarchal norms, or other socio-economic barriers, many students give up school. 

Possible Solutions

Over the years, the Indian government started various initiatives to assuage the problems faced by the education system of India. However, despite these efforts, there is still room for improvement. Let’s explore how.

  • The first and foremost step should be to increase funds allocated to education. 
  • The school curriculum should develop decision-making skills and critical thinking among students.
  • Vocational training should be included in the mainstream education system.
  • Both rural and urban areas should get a quality level of education.
  • Private schools charge exorbitant fees to provide quality infrastructure and education while government schools are affordable but lack such facilities. So this disparity should be addressed and affordable education should be made available.
ChallengesSolutions
Lack of InfrastructureDevelop proper classrooms, toilets, drinking facilities, libraries etc.
Teacher ShortageProvide high-quality teacher training programmes
Student-Teacher RatioRecruit qualified teachers
Rote LearningThe approach should shift to critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Language BarrierEducation should be available in regional or bilingual languages
Unequal AccessUnderprivileged children should have access to free and quality education

Conclusion

The school education system in India plays a critical role in moulding the future. Even though we have to face various challenges, they can be addressed with comprehensive changes. The K.R. Mangalam World School, best pre nursery school in Vikaspuri, is committed to redefining education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a quality curriculum and a nurturing environment, we empower students to become their best versions. Join us now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who manages the school education system in India?

The Ministry of Education (MoE) of India manages the school education system.

How does the school education system work in India?

The Indian school system has 4 levels including, pre-primary, primary, upper primary and secondary. 

What are the different types of school boards in India?

The formal boards of education in India include the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), State Boards, the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSC), the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).

Does the public and private school education system​ in India follow the same curriculum?

Both the public and private schools follow the national curriculum. However, as compared to public schools, private ones can be flexible enough to incorporate a specialised curriculum.

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