According to a report based on data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) and the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE), the enrollment of Muslim students aged 18-23 in higher education experienced a notable decline of over 8.5% during the academic year 2020-21.
In the preceding academic year (2019-20), 21 lakh Muslim students were enrolled in higher education, but this number decreased to 19.21 lakh in 2020-21. The report, titled “The State of Muslim Education in India,” was compiled by Arun C. Mehta, a former Professor at the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration.
The report highlights a fluctuating trend in Muslim student enrollment over the years. While there was an increase from 17,39,218 students in 2016-17 to 19,21,713 in 2020-21, a decline of 1,79,147 students occurred in 2020-21 compared to the previous academic year. The percentage of Muslim students relative to the total enrollment also saw a slight dip from 4.87 in 2016-17 to 4.64 in 2020-21.
A noteworthy observation across all States and Union Territories is the lower enrollment percentage of Muslim students in Class 11 and 12 compared to earlier classes, with a gradual decline starting from Class 6. The report notes that while Muslims constitute approximately 14.42% of total enrollment at the upper primary level (Class 6-8), this proportion decreases to 12.62% at the secondary level (Class 9-10) and further declines to 10.76% at the higher secondary level (Class 11-12).
Certain states, such as Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, exhibit a relatively low Gross Enrolment Ratio for Muslim students, indicating a significant number of Muslim children not accessing the education system. The report recommends prioritizing the identification and enrollment of out-of-school children in age-appropriate classes.
Additionally, the report highlights a higher dropout rate of 18.64% among Muslim students at the secondary level, exceeding the overall student dropout rate of 12.6%. States like Assam (29.52%) and West Bengal (23.22%) record particularly high dropout rates among Muslim students, emphasizing the need for targeted support and inclusive policies.
Recognizing the financial constraints faced by many Muslim students from low-income families, the report recommends addressing this issue by providing financial assistance, scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities specifically tailored for Muslim students. Implementing such measures, the report suggests, can contribute to bridging educational gaps and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
