Teacher strength rises as student numbers decline
Karnataka's school education system has recorded a notable increase in teacher availability alongside a decrease in student enrolment, according to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) data for 2025-26. The data, released by the state education department, reveals that while enrolment at primary and secondary levels remains stable, the overall number of students has dropped compared to the previous year. The number of schools reporting zero enrolment has also fallen sharply, indicating better consolidation of educational resources.
Enrolment trends across stages
Total enrolment in Karnataka schools for 2025-26 stands at approximately 1.12 crore students, down from 1.15 crore in 2024-25, marking a decline of about 2.6%. The primary stage (Classes 1-5) saw a marginal drop of 1.8%, while upper primary (Classes 6-8) experienced a 2.9% decline. Secondary stage (Classes 9-10) enrolment remained nearly unchanged, with a slight decrease of 0.5%. The higher secondary stage (Classes 11-12) recorded a 3.1% fall. According to officials, the decline is attributed to demographic shifts and improved retention rates reducing the number of overage students.
Teacher availability improves
The number of teachers in Karnataka schools increased by 4.2% to 4.85 lakh in 2025-26, up from 4.65 lakh in the previous year. The pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) improved to 23:1 from 25:1, bringing it closer to the national norm of 30:1 for primary and 25:1 for upper primary. The state has recruited over 15,000 new teachers in the past year, particularly in rural and remote areas. “The increase in teacher numbers is a result of targeted recruitment drives and better deployment,” a senior education department official said.
Sharp drop in zero-enrolment schools
One of the most significant improvements is the reduction in schools with zero enrolment. The number fell from 1,245 in 2024-25 to 312 in 2025-26, a decline of 74.9%. This has been achieved through school mergers and the closure of non-viable schools, with students being transferred to nearby functioning schools. The state government has also started a mapping exercise to ensure every child has access to a school within a reasonable distance.
Impact of government schemes
Officials attribute the stable enrolment at primary and secondary levels to the success of schemes like the Mid-Day Meal programme and free textbook distribution. The dropout rate has declined to 2.1% in 2025-26 from 2.8% in the previous year. The state has also implemented a tracking system for out-of-school children, bringing many back into the formal education system. “Our focus on retention and quality has yielded results, though we need to address the decline in higher secondary enrolment,” the official added.
Challenges ahead
Despite improvements, challenges remain. The decline in higher secondary enrolment is a concern, with many students opting for vocational courses or dropping out due to economic pressures. The state plans to introduce more skill-based subjects and strengthen career counselling in schools. Additionally, the increase in teacher numbers has not been uniform, with some districts still facing shortages. The government has promised further recruitment and better infrastructure in the coming years.
