Rajasthan's public school system saw a net loss of over 8 lakh students between 2023-24 and 2025-26, with government schools shedding more than 9.3 lakh enrollments.
State-wide enrollment fell from 1.67 crore in 2023-24 to 1.59 crore in 2025-26, with government schools losing more than 9.3 lakh students.
The Rajasthan education department released Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) data for the 2025-26 academic year showing a net decline of 8 lakh students across the state’s school system over the previous two years [1]. The drop is concentrated in government-run schools, while private-sector enrollment remained largely stable [1].
The report identifies the Rajasthan government, the state education department, public-sector schools, private schools, students, and their families as the primary stakeholders [1]. The UDISE figures were compiled from school-level reporting to the department and published in a press release on July 12, 2026 [1]. No single cause was attributed in the data; the decline reflects the net effect of student withdrawals, transfers, and demographic shifts recorded by schools during the 2023-24 to 2025-26 period [3].
Enrollment Figures and Trends
Total school enrollment in Rajasthan declined from 1.67 crore (16.7 million) in 2023-24 to 1.59 crore (15.9 million) in 2025-26, representing a reduction of approximately 4.8 percent [1][2]. Government schools accounted for the overwhelming share of this loss, shedding more than 9.3 lakh (930,000) students, while private schools collectively reported a marginal net change [1].
The UDISE data, which aggregates enrollment numbers from over 40,000 schools in the state, is the official source for tracking school-age population trends [2].
Government schools accounted for the overwhelming share of this loss, shedding more than 9.3 lakh (930,000) students, while private schools collectively reported a marginal net change [1].
The decline is recorded across all districts, but the magnitude varies. Districts with higher proportions of government schools, such as Jodhpur and Bikaner, exhibited larger absolute drops compared with districts where private schools dominate enrollment, such as Jaipur [3]. The data also shows that the decrease is more pronounced in primary grades (Class 1-5) than in secondary levels, suggesting early-stage attrition from the public system [1].
Private schools in Rajasthan displayed resilience during the same period, with enrollment figures remaining within a 0.3 percent margin of the 2023-24 baseline [1][2]. This stability is attributed to continued demand for perceived higher quality education and the ability of private institutions to offer additional services, according to the department’s summary [3]. In contrast, government schools faced a net outflow that exceeded the total number of new entrants into the state’s school system, effectively reversing prior gains in universal enrollment [4].
The National Testing Agency warned that AI-generated fake OMR answer sheets for the NEET UG 2026 exam constitute a cognisable offence under the 2024 Public…
The UDISE report notes that the loss in government schools was not offset by corresponding gains in private schools, indicating that a portion of the departing students may have entered alternative education pathways such as informal tutoring, home schooling, or discontinued schooling altogether [3]. The department has not released detailed migration data, but the disparity between public and private sectors highlights divergent capacity to retain students [2].
Immediate Impact on Students, Educators, and Policy
The enrollment contraction reduces per-pupil funding allocations to government schools, as state budgets are tied to UDISE-reported headcounts [1]. Schools that lost significant numbers of students may face cuts to teaching staff, extracurricular programs, and infrastructure maintenance [4]. For teachers, the decline could translate into larger class sizes in remaining cohorts or, conversely, potential redeployment to other schools [2].
Students who leave government schools risk exposure to lower-quality educational environments if they transition to unregulated private providers or discontinue formal schooling [3]. The trend also pressures the Rajasthan government to reassess retention strategies, including scholarship schemes, infrastructure upgrades, and community outreach, to stem further attrition [1]. Policy discussions in the state assembly have already referenced the UDISE findings as a trigger for reviewing the allocation of resources to public schools [2].
Key Facts
Students who leave government schools risk exposure to lower-quality educational environments if they transition to unregulated private providers or discontinue formal schooling [3].
What: Rajasthan government schools lost more than 9.3 lakh students between 2023-24 and 2025-26, driving a statewide enrollment decline of over 8 lakh.
When: Data released July 12, 2026, covering the academic years 2023-24 through 2025-26.
Four Berlin ClimateTech firms announced financing rounds totaling over €31 million and $1 billion, aimed at scaling energy‑efficient home renovation services across Europe.
NewsNews
