According to UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Team (GEM) 2024–25, India continues to grapple with poor learning outcomes and weak school leadership.

Key Findings Of Global Education Monitoring Report 2025

• Targets: 272 million children and youth are estimated to be out of school globally.
  • This is an increase of over 21 million from the previous estimate.

• • The SDG 4 Scorecard notes that even if targets are met by 2030, only 165 million out-of-school children will be reached.
  • Countries will be off-track by 75 million students by 2025 relative to their national education targets.
  • The out-of-school model estimates assume stable patterns of school-age population progression through the education system. 
• Out-of-school rates by age group:
  • Primary school age (6–11): 78 million (11%)
  • Lower secondary (12–14): 64 million (15%)
  • Upper secondary (15–17): 130 million (31%)
• Conflict Zones: Conflict zones are underrepresented due to poor or absent data collection, leading to underestimation of the real crisis.
• School Enrolment: In India, school enrolment dropped by over 1 crore in 2023–24 (government data).
  • States like Bihar and Assam are seeing worsening school dropout rates.
• School Leadership: School leadership in India remains underdeveloped, unlike Vietnam and Bangladesh, which have reformed principal recruitment, training, and governance.
• Inconsistent Recruitment: Recruitment and training of principals remain inconsistent across states, with many appointments based on seniority or administrative qualifications rather than demonstrated leadership ability. 
  • Additional Responsibilities: Indian school heads are burdened with responsibilities such as data reporting, coordinating mid-day meals, managing infrastructure, and overseeing exams, leaving little time for academic leadership or mentoring teachers.
  • Gender Gap: Women form 45% of India’s teaching workforce but hold only 35% of school principal roles and just 5% of top positions in national higher education institutions (2021).
• Data Source: The model used multiple data sources ( administrative, survey and census) to generate internally consistent trends of regional and global averages.

What is Global Education Monitoring Report Report?

• Historical Background: Initially launched in 2002 as the Education for All Global Monitoring Report, it was rebranded as the Global Education Monitoring Report in 2016.
• Published by: The GEM Report is an annual publication released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
• Purpose: It serves as a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of global progress, challenges, and trends in education.
• Key Objectives: Monitor the implementation of international education targets, especially those under the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).
  • Provide strategic policy recommendations to national governments, global institutions, and stakeholders.
  • Promote accountability and equity in education systems.
• Significance: The GEM Report acts as a critical global reference for tracking educational outcomes, identifying gaps, and shaping inclusive and quality education policies worldwide.

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