Education – Delhi Secures Strong PGI Ranking Despite Foundational Enrolment Concerns
Education – Delhi has been placed among the stronger-performing States and Union Territories in the Ministry of Education’s Performance Grading Index (PGI) for 2025-26. The national assessment recognised the capital’s progress across several areas of school education, although it also pointed to concerns over enrolment in early grades and retention among students at the secondary level.
Delhi placed in second-highest performance category
Delhi was included in the second-highest PGI performance band for 2025-26. Punjab, Kerala, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu were also placed in the same category. Chandigarh emerged as the only State or Union Territory to enter the top Uttam-3 band in the latest assessment.
The PGI is an annual school education review prepared by the Union Ministry of Education. It evaluates the performance of States and Union Territories through 70 indicators linked to learning outcomes, student access, school facilities, equity, governance, teacher training and other education-related measures.
Assessment draws from multiple government databases
The grading exercise is based on information collected from several official platforms. These include the Unified District Information System for Education Plus, PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, the PM POSHAN portal, PRABANDH and Vidyanjali.
Using this data, the Ministry assigns performance scores and groups States and Union Territories into categories according to their overall results. Delhi’s position in the latest report reflects gains in several education indicators, particularly in enrolment beyond the early years of schooling.
Foundational enrolment shows a decline
The report, however, noted a fall in enrolment at the foundational stage, which covers pre-primary classes through Class II. Delhi’s Gross Enrolment Ratio at this level declined to 102.8 in 2024-25.
The Ministry has asked the Delhi government to examine enrolment patterns class by class to identify the reasons behind the decline. It has also recommended better use of data available through the Poshan Tracker to support planning and monitoring at the foundational level.
A strong foundation in the first years of schooling is considered important for ensuring that children continue through later stages of education. The report’s observations indicate that Delhi may need to focus more closely on early childhood education access and participation.
Higher classes record enrolment gains
While enrolment at the foundational stage declined, Delhi showed improvement across several higher grades. The Gross Enrolment Ratio for the preparatory stage, covering Classes III to V, increased from 51 to 52.2.
The middle stage, which includes Classes VI to VIII, registered a more substantial improvement. Its Gross Enrolment Ratio rose from 106.8 to 115, indicating stronger participation in these grades during the assessment period.
Enrolment at the secondary stage, covering Classes IX to XII, also recorded a modest rise. However, the PGI report noted that student retention at this level remains an area requiring attention.
Focus remains on retention and early education
Delhi’s latest PGI result presents a broadly positive picture of its school education system while underlining areas that need targeted action. Better enrolment in middle and secondary classes has contributed to the capital’s strong overall standing, but the decline in foundational enrolment and concerns around secondary retention remain significant.
The Ministry’s recommendations place emphasis on closer data analysis and timely intervention. Addressing these gaps could help Delhi strengthen continuity in education from the earliest years through senior secondary school.