Author: Ketan Kamble
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04011012
Abstract: This study examines India’s education indicator within the Human Development Index (HDI) as reported in the 2025 Human Development Report. Using secondary data from UNDP reports and related analyses, it describes India’s current performance—13 expected years of schooling and 6.9 mean years of schooling— showing steady quantitative gains since 1990 but persistent gaps compared to high-HDI countries. The analysis identifies positive drivers such as the Right to Education Act 2009, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and National Education Policy 2020, which expanded access and retention. However, challenges including poor learning outcomes, urban-rural disparities, low public spending (3.1% of GDP), and COVID-19-induced digital divides constrain progress. Key causal factors span policy implementation gaps, socioeconomic barriers, and inequality. Recommendations include raising education expenditure to 6% of GDP, scaling foundational literacy programmes like NIPUN Bharat, targeted equity measures for marginalised groups, and bridging digital gaps through localised EdTech. These reforms can strengthen India’s Education Index and overall HDI trajectory towards high human development.
Keywords: Human Development Index, Education Indicator, India, 2025, NEP 2020, SDG 4 (Quality Education).
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