Uneven Gains and Bottom-50 Districts

Using data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), it is found that younger individuals (20–40 years) have made impressive gains in education. The average young Indian has a high school education—much better than their mother’s generation that went to school for only three years. Gender differences, large and concerning earlier, have nearly disappeared. However, areas of concern remain. Districts, rather than states, are variously forward and backward in education.

The authors would like to thank without implicating Shahe Emran, Vegard Iverson, Kunal Sen and Wilima Wadhwa, each of whom commented on earlier versions.

Appendix Tables A, B and Map A accompanying this paper are available on the EPW website.

Using data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), it is found that younger individuals (20–40 years) have made impressive gains in education. The average young Indian has a high school education—much better than their mother’s generation that went to school for only three years. Gender differences, large and concerning earlier, have nearly disappeared. However, areas of concern remain. Districts, rather than states, are variously forward and backward in education. People are mired in low-level education traps in a group of bottom-50 districts, which straddle state boundaries and are spread across the country. How much progress is made in the next generation will be determined by what happens in these lagging districts. Local innovation rather than standardised solutions will be required.

Is India becoming a more egalitarian society? Have people’s chances become more equal? Have the prospects and capabilities of Indians of the recent generation become better and more equal compared to their parents’ generation?