National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 to honor Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, on his birth anniversary.
- The Government of India declared this day in September 2008 and this day emphasizes the importance of education in shaping India’s future and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s contribution to the country’s education system.
- The government made primary education free and compulsory by amending the Constitution through the 86th Amendment under Article 21-A, ensuring free education for children aged 6 to 14 as a Fundamental Right.
- The Ministry of Education, Government of India, released the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022 in January 2024.
- Increased Enrollment: Growth in student enrolment and stronger infrastructure.
- Greater Inclusivity: More enrolment from disadvantaged groups (SC, ST, OBC, minorities).
- Female Enrollment: Rose 32% from 1.57 crore (2014-15) to 2.07 crore (2021-22).
- Gender Parity Index (GPI): Reached 1.01, with more females than males in higher education.
- Government’s Initiatives to build an inclusive and equitable educational system.
Scheme Name | Launched Year | Objective |
NEP 2020 | 29th July, 2020 | Aims to overhaul India’s education system for the 21st-century needs. |
PM SHRI | 7th September 2022 | Aims to improve 14,500+ schools in India, implementing the National Education Policy 2020. |
Samagra Shiksha | 1st April, 2021 | Provides inclusive and equitable education to all children. |
PRERNA | January 15th, 2024, to February 17th, 2024 | A week-long residential program blending heritage and innovation for selected students from class IX to XII. |
ULLAS | For the period FY 2022-2027 | Empower adults aged 15+ with literacy skills, aiming to integrate them into society. |
NIPUN Bharat | 5th July 2021 | Ensure foundational literacy and numeracy for all children by Grade 3 by 2026-27. |
Vidya Pravesh | 29th July 2021 | To Provide a smooth, welcoming transition for children entering Grade 1. |
Vidyanjali | 7th September 2021 | Encourage community involvement and CSR contributions to improve school education. |
DIKSHA | 5th September 2017 | To Enhance teacher training and professional development through innovative solutions. |
SWAYAM Plus | 27th February 2024 | Improves employability by recognizing industry-relevant courses and promoting skill development. |
NISHTHA | 21st August 2019 | Develops professional skills of 42 lakh teachers, with online adaptation post-COVID. |
NIRF Ranking | 29th September 2015 | Introduces a transparent system for ranking universities, fostering competition and improvement. |
PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme | 2024 | Provides financial assistance to meritorious students for higher education, benefiting 22 lakh students annually. |