Overview

• Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand posted a combined 91% retention rate for RTE-enrolled students in 2023–24, according to Indus Action.
• Odisha recorded a 97% retention rate, with 24,834 students benefiting under the provision.
• Despite free-education mandates, 61% of families still incur school-related expenses and 57% find these costs difficult to manage.
• Social integration indicators were strong, with 87% inclusion in school activities, 98% reporting positive peer interactions and 81% forming friendships across socioeconomic lines.
• The report flags limited access to digital learning tools for many students and a lack of comprehensive tracking of educational outcomes after initial RTE enrollment.