School dropout rate climbs to 15% in 2024-25 in Odisha: Academic pressure, economic stress cited as key factors

Odisha has witnessed a concerning rise in its school dropout rate, which has surged to 15% in the 2024-25 academic year, as per data tabled in the Assembly by the School and Mass Education Minister. This marks a sharp increase after four consecutive years of decline between 2020 and 2024.

The spike in the dropout rate is most prominent among students in Classes IX and X, where the rate is significantly higher than in lower grades. In Classes IX and X, 17.3% of boys and 12.5% of girls have reportedly dropped out of school. In comparison, the dropout rate is 3.2% for Classes VI to VIII and just 0.7% for Classes I to V.

Factors Contributing to the Rise

Academic pressure and economic stress are considered the two key factors contributing to this alarming increase in dropout rates.

Academic Pressure: Education experts argue that the rise in dropout rates at the secondary level, particularly in Class X, is due to the academic pressure that students face, especially with the approaching board examinations. The transition from upper primary to secondary education often brings a heavier syllabus, leading to performance anxiety, fear of failure, and disengagement from studies.

Economic Distress: Many boys reportedly leave school to support their families by taking up wage labor or other informal jobs. Additionally, the migration of families for livelihood, especially from rural and economically vulnerable districts, further disrupts the continuity of schooling, as children are forced to leave school to accompany their families in search of work.

Impact of Migration and Absenteeism

“The dropout trend continues to persist. Many students do not appear for the Matric examination, even after filling out the forms. A major reason is migration, as several students move with their families in search of work to support household income. Unfortunately, the Odisha government has not taken adequate steps to address this issue,” said Basudev Bhatta, president of the Odisha Parents’ Federation.

Additionally, the recent matriculation examination saw nearly 12,000 students absent, citing personal reasons. This absenteeism is often seen as a precursor to permanent school dropout.

Suggestions for Addressing the Issue

Narayan Prasad Sarangi, an educationist, attributed the rise in dropout rates to students’ weak foundational knowledge. “Many students drop out before the Class X examination because their foundational concepts are not clear. Some are unable to write even a simple sentence. The ‘all-pass’ system should be abolished, and students need proper guidance at the grassroots level. Both teachers and parents should take proactive steps to instill interest and academic discipline in students,” Sarangi added.

Also Read: School dropout rate rises again in Odisha; around 15% students discontinued in 2024-25: Minister in Assembly

Government's Efforts and the Need for Focused Intervention

While the government has reiterated its commitment to improving retention rates, the latest data highlights the urgent need for focused intervention, especially at the secondary level. Addressing academic stress, financial vulnerability, and providing student counselling are crucial areas that need attention.

The increase in the dropout rate reflects a growing concern that requires immediate action to ensure that students, especially in the critical years of Classes IX and X, are supported academically and emotionally to continue their education without disruption.