ANNUAL STATUS OF EDUCATION REPORT (ASER) FOR 2023

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is a nationwide citizen-led household survey that captures the status of children's enrollment and learning outcomes in rural India. It is conducted by the Pratham Education Foundation and has been published annually since 2005.

The ASER report is a valuable tool for tracking progress in education, identifying areas of concern, and informing policy decisions. It is widely used by government agencies, civil society organizations, and researchers.

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) for 2023, titled "Beyond Basics," focuses on the age group of 14-18 years in rural India.

The key highlights

• Enrollment: Overall, 86.8% of 14-18-year-olds are enrolled in an educational institution. Gender gaps in enrollment are small, but significant differences exist by age, with younger girls slightly more likely to be out of school compared to boys.
• Activity: Only 40.6% of youth are engaged in any form of organized activity (studying, vocational training, work, household chores, etc.) beyond school. There are significant variations across states and socio-economic groups, with urban youth more likely to engage in such activities compared to rural youth.
• Ability: Basic reading and math abilities remain a concern, with only 55.3% of 14-18-year-olds able to read a Class 2 level text fluently and only 37.9% able to do simple division. There are again notable disparities across states and socio-economic groups, with urban youth performing better than rural youth.
• Digital Awareness and Skills: Smartphone access is increasing, with 79.8% of youth owning a smartphone. However, digital literacy skills remain low, with only 46.2% able to perform basic tasks like sending messages or accessing information online. The use of smartphones for learning purposes is also limited, with only 25.5% using them for educational content.
• Other key findings: Vocational training participation is low, with only 12.3% of youth enrolled in any vocational training program. Aspirations are high, with most youth aspiring for higher education and vocational training. However, there is a mismatch between aspirations and access to opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities.

3. Role

• Provide a reliable and independent assessment of the state of education in rural India. ASER is not affiliated with the government and its surveys are conducted by volunteers, ensuring unbiased data collection.
• Track progress towards achieving educational goals. ASER monitors India's progress towards achieving the Right to Education Act (RTE) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to education.
• Identify areas of concern and inform policy decisions. ASER's findings have been instrumental in shaping education policies at both the national and state levels.
• Raise public awareness about education issues in rural India. ASER's reports are widely disseminated and discussed in the media, bringing attention to the challenges faced by rural children in accessing quality education.

4. Functions

• Conducting an annual household survey: Every year, ASER volunteers visit rural households across India to collect data on children's enrollment, attendance, and learning levels in basic reading and arithmetic.
• Developing and administering standardized assessments: ASER uses age-appropriate and contextually relevant tools to assess children's learning levels.
• Analyzing and interpreting data: ASER's team of researchers analyze the data collected through the survey and produce reports that provide insights into the state of education in rural India.
• Disseminating findings: ASER reports are available in English and Hindi, and summaries are also made available in various regional languages. The reports are widely disseminated to policymakers, educators, researchers, and the general public.
• Advocating for policy change: ASER uses its findings to advocate for policy changes that will improve the quality of education for children in rural India.

The findings of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) are important for several reasons:

• ASER offers independent and reliable data on rural education in India, where official data may be incomplete or unreliable. It covers rural areas, often neglected by traditional data collection methods, providing insights into the education landscape experienced by a vast majority of children.
• ASER tracks progress towards achieving India's education goals, like the Right to Education Act and the Sustainable Development Goals. This allows policymakers and advocates to identify areas where interventions are needed and assess the effectiveness of existing policies.
• ASER's findings directly inform policy decisions at both the national and state levels. Based on the report's data, governments can allocate resources more effectively, develop targeted interventions, and improve educational programs for rural children.
• ASER reports generate widespread discussion and media attention, bringing public awareness to the challenges faced by rural education. This encourages public engagement and participation in demanding better education for all children.
• ASER data empowers communities to hold local authorities accountable for the quality of education their children receive. Additionally, civil society organizations use the report's findings to advocate for systemic changes and improvements in the education system.
• ASER disaggregates data by various factors like gender, socio-economic status, and geographical location. This allows identification of disparities in access and learning outcomes, guiding efforts towards promoting equity and ensuring all children have access to quality education.
• ASER's findings often spark debates and discussions about different approaches to education, particularly in rural contexts. This leads to the exploration of innovative solutions and pilot projects aimed at improving learning outcomes for children in diverse settings.
• ASER's independent and evidence-based approach promotes accountability within the education system. By shining a light on both successes and challenges, it encourages transparency and continuous improvement in education delivery.