Secondary education in India

Abstract

Secondary education is increasingly becoming an area of focus in developing countries, which have thus far concentrated on achieving universal elementary education. This policy note on secondary education in India discusses issues and aspects critical for the development of this subsector. Secondary education, in terms of policy, is a concurrent item in that it is within the purview of both State and Central governments. State level implications and strategies for developing this sub-sector are critical. The Central government involvement in secondary education thus far has been through discrete programs, such as computer and vocational education. The 10th Five-Year Plan (2002-2007) intends a much more strategic role for the Central government in improving secondary education in the country. This policy note supports this national vision and highlights the issues and constraints in implementing this vision. The policy note concludes with a summary of issues and aspects critical for this sub-sector relating to four areas: planning in secondary and higher secondary education; administrative reform; improving the quality of education and financing of secondary education.