Student Proficiency in Math, English Declines in Higher Classes: Govt Survey

A nationwide government survey has revealed a concerning decline in student proficiency in mathematics and English as they progress to higher classes. Conducted by PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) under the Ministry of Education, the Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 assessed more than 2.1 crore students across Classes 3, 6, and 9.

The data shows a significant drop in learning outcomes, particularly in numeracy and literacy, as students move to advanced grades.

Key Findings

According to the report:

• Math Proficiency:




• 55% of Class 3 students could arrange numbers up to 99.


• 53% of Class 6 students could recall multiplication tables up to 10.


• Only 28% of Class 9 students could solve percentage-related problems.




• Language Skills:




• 60% of Class 3 students could read and comprehend short stories.


• 58% of Class 6 students were able to identify key ideas and draw conclusions.


• 54% of Class 9 students could summarize text and recognize main points.

The survey covered 21.15 lakh students from 74,229 schools in 781 districts across 36 States and Union Territories. PARAKH, an autonomous body set up under NCERT in 2023, is responsible for standardizing student assessments as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Class-Wise Average Scores (2024)

• Class 3:




• Language: 64%


• Mathematics: 60%




• Class 6:




• Language: 57%


• Mathematics: 46%


• The World Around Us: 49%




• Class 9:




• Language: 54%


• Mathematics: 37%


• Science: 40%


• Social Science: 40%

Only Class 3 data was comparable across 2017, 2021, and 2024. The average scores for 2024 improved from the 2021 dip during the Covid-19 period but remained below the 2017 levels.

Why Learning Declines with Progression

A senior education ministry official, requesting anonymity, cited three key reasons behind the decline:

1. Parental Support Declines: Younger students benefit from more home support, which fades in higher grades.


2. Increased Academic Complexity: The curriculum becomes more complex in higher classes, but support at home does not scale accordingly.


3. Reduced Economic Perception: Families may not view academic success as financially rewarding, lowering their engagement.

The ministry has advised States and UTs to integrate skilling in the curriculum and adopt Holistic Progress Cards (HPCs) — a 360-degree assessment method reflecting each learner’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

Positive Trends in Some States

While the national average remains slightly below pre-Covid levels, several states — including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh — have recorded their best-ever results in 2024.

NIPUN Bharat Making an Impact

Prof. Indrani Bhaduri, CEO of PARAKH, emphasized that Class 3 students showed encouraging improvement under the NIPUN Bharat Mission, which aims to ensure foundational literacy and numeracy by 2026–27. The gains are attributed to targeted interventions, teacher training, and structured pedagogy.

Next Steps

To bridge learning gaps, PARAKH has recommended:

• Strengthening community involvement in schools.


• Establishing early warning systems for struggling students.


• Promoting inclusive education practices.


• Enhancing digital learning platforms.


• Investing in ongoing professional development for educators.