Annual Status of Education Report 2024

The education landscape in India has undergone significant changes over the last two decades. In 2009, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act ensured that increasing numbers of children enroll in and complete elementary school. In 2020, a new National Education Policy (NEP) reimagined and reorganized the education system, including mandating a new 'foundational' stage of education during which children participate in 2 years of pre-primary education, enter primary school at age 6, and acquire foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Every year from 2005 to 2014, and then every alternate year from 2016, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) has generated estimates of 3-16-year-old children's schooling status. In addition to patterns of enrollment both nationally and across states, ASER data provides insights on the age distribution of children in each grade and enrollment patterns of young children. ASER also throws light on basic reading and arithmetic levels of children aged 5- 16 in rural India. Information on parental education and household characteristics is also collected.

This massive effort is made possible through the participation of institutions across the country – local colleges, District Institute of Educational Training (DIETs), universities, and other organizations. This approach enables thousands of young people to participate locally and gain first-hand exposure to education in rural India.

ASER 2024 will be the 14th “basic” ASER survey since 2005.

ASER 2024 will retain the core elements of the ASER architecture: it will be a sample-based rural household survey, using tools that are simple and easy to use and understand. Using the same methodology consistently since 2005, allows ASER data to be used for tracking changes over time for basic indicators of children’s education. 

This time we are introducing a new element: ASER 2024 will explore actual digital skills for students in the age group 14-16. In addition, for each district ASER 2024 will provide information about provision of early childhood education (ages 3 to 6) and other data on early grades.

We value your help and support in conducting ASER 2024.