About the Report
The private school sector in India has witnessed a remarkable rise in the past two decades. The sector serves nearly 12 crore students, i.e., nearly half of our current student population. The rise of private schools is an important and often unheard story about our education system. Contrary to popular perception, the sector doesn't cater only to the elite. It has been powered by a wave of demand from low- and middle-income families across every state, with 45% of students paying less than INR 500 per month as course fees. However, the quality of learning in private schools needs attention.
Central Square Foundation, in partnership with Omidyar Network India, has developed a report based on research and evidence — ‘State of the Sector Report on Private Schools in India’. This report reviews existing data and literature to provide a comprehensive picture of the sector. The methodology followed was consultative — the themes, analysis, and findings of the report were shaped by numerous conversations with ecosystem stakeholders including subject matter experts, bureaucrats, lawyers and school owners. Over 150 research papers, surveys and peer-reviewed research studies were reviewed for various aspects of the private schooling sector.
The report focuses on the challenges faced by private schools in India and the sectoral reforms needed to improve the learning outcomes of students attending private schools. It also aims to be a ready reckoner for stakeholders like policymakers, academicians, researchers, philanthropists and educationists.
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Watch: State of the Private School Sector in India
Private schools are required to meet input-related requirements but not mandated to measure and disclose learning outcomes in a standardised way. This video highlights the challenges faced by private schools, and the reforms that can help improve learning outcomes.