The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 shows improvements in reading and arithmetic skills among Indian children, particularly in classes 1-3. Preschool enrollment has substantially increased, reaching 77.4% of 3-year-olds enrolled in some form of early childhood education program by 2024. The report also includes the first assessment of digital literacy among 15-16 year olds.
The NEP's focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) is reflected in ASER's findings. A large percentage of schools reported receiving government directives and resources to implement FLN activities. The NEP's emphasis on ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) is also highlighted, with increased enrollment in preschool programs and initiatives like NIPUN Bharat.
The report emphasizes the importance of ECCE, noting the need for age-appropriate schooling and the role of Anganwadis in providing early childhood care and education alongside other services. State-level variations in the approach to ECCE are also highlighted.
The ASER 2024 survey shows that over 90% of rural adolescents have access to smartphones. While digital literacy skills are improving, gender disparities remain in areas like online information searching.
The report recommends a comprehensive understanding of current realities, continuous data collection, and dedicated budget allocation for ECCE. This includes training and sustaining dedicated teachers for pre-primary grades and strengthening the early childhood component within the Anganwadi system.