The Economic Survey 2025-26, released today, highlights the need to retain school students beyond Class 8 as the secondary age-specific net enrolment remains low. Moreover, urban areas have a higher share of secondary schools (38.1 per cent). On higher education, the Survey acknowledges the rapid expansion of institutions and student enrolment over the past decade, but flags concerns around quality, faculty shortages and uneven research capacity. The Survey also highlights the importance of experience-based and skill-oriented learning, noting that traditional classroom-led models often fail to connect theory with application. However, the Survey warns that digital tools cannot substitute for strong pedagogy and teacher training, and must be complemented by investments in human capacity.