India currently has 19,518 unrecognised schools , according to data shared by the Ministry of Education in Lok Sabha. Jharkhand accounts for the highest number with 5,701 such institutions, followed by Bihar with 4,159, and West Bengal with 3,555. Assam also reports a significant figure of 2,475 unrecognised schools.
State-wise Distribution of Unrecognised Schools
The Ministry’s data for the 2024-25 academic year details the distribution of these unrecognised schools across states and union territories. Following the top states, Meghalaya lists 491 schools, and Odisha has 945. Kerala reports 765 unrecognised institutions, while Haryana lists 641. In contrast, states with the lowest numbers include Karnataka with 1, Chhattisgarh with 12, Madhya Pradesh with 12, and Uttarakhand with 11. Jammu and Kashmir also lists 12 unrecognised schools.
State Governments Responsible for Recognition
During a Lok Sabha session query about unrecognised schools, the Ministry of Education clarified its position. The Ministry stated that schools not owned or funded by the central government fall under the jurisdiction of their respective state governments. This means state governments are responsible for managing these institutions, including issuing rules and guidelines.
Therefore, any regularisation efforts or actions against unrecognised schools are the direct responsibility of the concerned state or union territory government. This framework highlights the decentralised approach to school governance for non-central government institutions, placing the onus on local authorities to ensure compliance and standards.
Right to Education Act, 2009
Despite the state-level responsibility for recognition, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, sets national standards for elementary education. This Act mandates free and compulsory education for every child aged 6-14 years in a neighbourhood school. It ensures children receive an education without financial burden and within reasonable proximity to their homes.
A crucial provision of the RTE Act is Section 12(1)(c). This section requires private unaided schools to reserve at least 25% of their entry-level seats for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups. These schools must then provide free and compulsory elementary education to these reserved students until completion. Unrecognised schools may not adhere to these statutory requirements, potentially impacting student rights and access to quality education.
Understanding School Recognition
School recognition certifies that an educational institution meets specific standards set by a state or central authority. These standards often cover curriculum, infrastructure, teacher qualifications, safety, and financial stability. Operating without recognition can mean a school does not meet these minimum requirements, potentially affecting the validity of certificates issued and students’ educational progression.
Parents and guardians rely on school recognition as an assurance of quality and compliance with legal educational frameworks. The Ministry’s data draws attention to the scale of institutions operating outside this recognised system, underscoring the challenge for state governments.
List of Unrecognised Schools by State/UT (2024-25)
| States/UTs | Number of Unrecognised Schools |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 108 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 28 |
| Assam | 2475 |
| Bihar | 4159 |
| Chhattisgarh | 12 |
| Haryana | 641 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 12 |
| Jharkhand | 5701 |
| Karnataka | 1 |
| Kerala | 765 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 12 |
| Maharashtra | 182 |
| Manipur | 83 |
| Meghalaya | 491 |
| Mizoram | 57 |
| Odisha | 945 |
| Rajasthan | 26 |
| Tamil Nadu | 165 |
| Telangana | 44 |
| Tripura | 45 |
| Uttarakhand | 11 |
| West Bengal | 3555 |
| Total | 19518 |
The prevalence of these unrecognised schools presents a significant administrative and regulatory challenge. While the Right to Education Act guarantees specific rights, students attending unrecognised institutions may face uncertainty regarding curriculum validity, infrastructure standards, and the legal standing of their educational credentials. State and UT governments bear the responsibility for addressing this issue, ensuring all educational institutions comply with established norms and uphold the fundamental right to education for every child.