Dropout rate — secondary level (Classes 9–10)

Dropout rate at secondary level fell from 21.5% (2014-15) to 12.6% (2022-23), driven by expanded school infrastructure, midday meals, scholarships for girls, and Samagra Shiksha. For baseline, reliable UDISE data is available from 2014-15; earlier DISE figures use different methodology. Notable gender gap persists — girls' dropout at secondary level higher in several states. COVID-19 (2020-21) risk of dropout, especially among girls, may not be fully captured yet.