Chennai: Tamil Nadu has recorded the lowest score in learning outcomes among southern states, according to the latest Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 report for 2024-25 released by the Union education ministry. Students in Classes III, VI, and IX scored 55.1 out of 240 in the Parakh assessment test conducted by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in 2024.
Comparative Performance
Kerala achieved a high score of 140.3 out of 240, while Andhra Pradesh scored 79.6, Karnataka 72.7, and Telangana 69. Punjab topped among all states with 150.4 out of 240. Despite the low learning outcomes, Tamil Nadu performed better in other domains: access (72.2 out of 80), infrastructure (108 out of 190), equity (231 out of 260), and teacher education and training (76.3 out of 100). Overall, Tamil Nadu's score improved to 582.4 out of 1,000, moving up one level in the education index compared to 2023-24.
District-Wise Performance
In district-wise PGI scores, Krishnagiri, Kanyakumari, Erode, Trichy, and Dharmapuri achieved better scores across all domains. Conversely, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, Ranipet, and Tenkasi recorded low scores in all domains.
Expert Opinions
K Devarajan, former director of school education, emphasized prioritizing classroom teaching for better learning outcomes. "Teachers should not be allowed to do any other data entry work during school hours. Classrooms should return to old methods of teaching," he said. Su Moorthy, state coordinator of the Federation of Education Development, attributed learning gaps to teacher shortages in primary and middle schools. "There are nearly 11,000 primary schools functioning with just two teachers. The state government should appoint one teacher per class in all primary schools to improve learning outcomes," he added.
Official Response
Officials from the school education department noted that the Parakh assessment was conducted in 2024 and does not reflect the learning attainment of the current student batch. "The department conducted a massive state-level achievement survey (SLAS) in 2025 and identified 7.47 lakh students from Classes VI to IX with learning gaps. Through a targeted initiative last academic year, more than seven lakh of those children attained basic learning outcomes," an official stated.
