Bhubaneswar: After three consecutive years of improvement, Odisha has recorded a worrying rise in its school dropout rate, with figures climbing from 12 per cent to 15 per cent in the 2024–25 academic year. The latest data, placed before the Odisha Legislative Assembly, has raised fresh concerns over student retention, particularly at the secondary level.
The statistics were shared by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond while responding to a question in the House. The figures reveal that the sharpest increase has been observed among students in Classes IX and X, where nearly 15 per cent discontinued their studies during the current academic year.
Gender-wise data indicates that boys are dropping out at a significantly higher rate than girls. At the secondary stage, 17.3 per cent of boys left school compared to 12.5 per cent of girls. The trend of higher male dropout continues in upper primary classes as well. In Classes VI to VIII, the overall dropout rate stands at 3.2 per cent, with 3.7 per cent of boys leaving school against 2.6 per cent of girls.
The situation at the primary level remains comparatively stable, with an overall dropout rate of 0.7 per cent in Classes I to V. However, even here, boys account for a larger share, with 1.1 per cent dropping out compared to 0.3 per cent of girls.
The Assembly was informed that Odisha had witnessed a steady decline in dropout rates from the 2020–21 academic year through 2023–24, reflecting sustained efforts to improve enrolment and retention. The rise recorded in 2024–25 marks a reversal of that positive trajectory and has sparked debate among lawmakers and education stakeholders.
Concerns were particularly voiced over the vulnerability of students at the secondary level, where economic hardships, academic pressure, and early entry into the workforce are often cited as major reasons behind discontinuation of studies. The latest data has intensified discussions on whether existing retention strategies are adequately addressing these challenges.
With secondary education emerging as the most affected segment, policymakers are now expected to re-examine targeted interventions to prevent further slippage and safeguard the gains made in previous years.
