Enrollment in Rajasthan’s public schools fell by more than 8.4 lakh pupils, according to the UDISE+ 2025-26 report. Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot attributed the decline to policies of the BJP state government.
The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) data for the 2025-26 academic year shows a net loss of 8.43 lakh students from government-run schools across Rajasthan [1][2][4]. The decline covers the two most recent academic sessions, 2023-24 and 2024-25, and brings total enrollment in the state’s public schools to approximately 1.59 crore students [3][4].
Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot publicly blamed the BJP-led state administration for the downward trend, while the current government, headed by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, has been in power throughout the period of decline [1][4]. Education analysts and sector experts have been cited in multiple reports as examining the data and recommending reforms focused on learning outcomes and school quality [2][3].
Enrollment Data and Timeline
The UDISE+ 2025-26 report, released in July 2026, records a cumulative reduction of 8.43 lakh pupils in government schools compared with the 2022-23 baseline [1][2]. The loss is distributed across primary, upper primary, and secondary levels, with the steepest drop observed in upper primary classes where enrollment fell by roughly 3.2 lakh students [2][4].
The two-year window coincides with the BJP’s second term in the state, which began after the 2023 assembly elections. The data set, compiled by the Ministry of Education, aggregates enrollment figures from over 30,000 government schools and is considered the most comprehensive source for school-level statistics in India [1][4].
The loss is distributed across primary, upper primary, and secondary levels, with the steepest drop observed in upper primary classes where enrollment fell by roughly 3.2 lakh students [2][4].
Ashok Gehlot, serving as leader of the opposition, issued a statement on 10 July 2026 linking the enrollment slump to policy decisions of the BJP government, including budget allocations and school-management reforms [1]. He urged the state administration to prioritize “quality-focused interventions” to reverse the trend [1].
The BJP government, through a press release on 12 July 2026, acknowledged the decline but attributed it to demographic shifts and increased migration to private schools, stating that “the state continues to invest in infrastructure and teacher recruitment” [4]. The administration has not disclosed any immediate policy changes in response to the UDISE+ findings.
Factors Cited by Education Analysts
Education experts referenced in the ABP Live report highlighted three primary contributors to the enrollment fall: (1) changing demographics, including lower birth rates in rural districts; (2) competition from private institutions offering perceived higher quality; and (3) concerns over learning outcomes in government schools, which have prompted parents to seek alternatives [2].
The National Herald India analysis added that retention challenges are more pronounced in remote areas where teacher absenteeism and inadequate facilities persist, further eroding confidence in public schooling [4]. Researchers called for a “quality-first” agenda, emphasizing curriculum relevance, assessment reforms, and community engagement as levers to improve enrollment stability [2][3].
Impact on Students, Teachers, and Institutions
Rajasthan Government Schools Lose Over 8.4 Lakh Students in Two Academic Years
For students, the enrollment decline signals a shift toward private or alternative education providers, potentially increasing out-of-pocket expenses for families that previously relied on free government schooling [2]. The movement also raises concerns about equitable access to education, particularly for disadvantaged groups in rural and tribal regions [3].
The movement also raises concerns about equitable access to education, particularly for disadvantaged groups in rural and tribal regions [3].
Teachers in government schools may experience fluctuating class sizes, with some schools reporting under-enrollment that could affect staffing levels and resource allocation [4]. The state education department is expected to adjust teacher deployment based on revised enrollment projections, though no official timetable has been released [1].
Educational institutions, including the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education, will need to recalibrate planning for examinations, infrastructure development, and funding formulas that are traditionally based on student headcount [3]. The enrollment data is likely to influence future budgetary discussions in the state legislature and could shape the agenda for the upcoming 2027 education policy review [4].
Key Facts
What: Rajasthan’s government schools lost over 8.43 lakh students in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years.
When: Data released in July 2026, covering the two most recent academic sessions.
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