The future of India is its children.

While nearly every child in India attends school, access alone has not translated into learning. Millions of students progress through the system without mastering foundational skills, limiting their ability to pursue higher education or meaningful work. According to Pratham’s Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), only about 50% of Grade 5 students in rural India can read a Grade 2–level text, highlighting a critical disconnect between years spent in school and actual learning. 

At the same time, disparities in access to quality teaching, infrastructure, and digital resources continue to affect many rural and remote communities. India invests roughly 4% of its GDP in education—below the levels seen in many higher-income countries—underscoring the importance of targeted, high-impact interventions to strengthen both access and learning outcomes.