A nationwide survey by the Ministry of Education (MoE) has exposed alarming gaps in foundational mathematics skills among Indian students, raising urgent concerns about the state of the education system. The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, previously known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS), evaluated over 21.15 million students across 74,229 schools in 781 districts, covering Classes 3, 6, and 9 in 36 states and Union Territories.
Conducted on December 4, 2024, the survey found that only 53% of Class 6 students can recall multiplication tables up to 10 and apply basic arithmetic operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—to solve practical problems. This means nearly half of these students lack proficiency in these essential skills. Similarly, in Class 3, only 55% of students can arrange numbers up to 99 in ascending or descending order, highlighting significant weaknesses in early numeracy.
The survey revealed broader academic struggles, with national average scores for Class 6 and 9 students falling below 50% in most subjects. Mathematics performance was particularly weak at 46%, compared to 57% in language. Regional variations were stark: Telangana scored below the national average in Class 6 mathematics (44% vs. 46%), while Goa students lagged in Class 3 but showed progress in higher grades.
The MoE plans to hold workshops with state education departments to develop targeted, district-specific strategies to address these learning gaps. Education experts are calling for immediate reforms to strengthen foundational skills and prevent long-term academic setbacks.
The findings have triggered widespread concern, with social media platforms like X buzzing with reactions describing the results as a “shocking fall” in basic learning levels and demanding swift action to revitalize India’s education system.
References
Aaj Tak: “Only 53 Percent of Students in Class 6 Know Tables Up to 10: Education Ministry Survey,” July 9, 2025.
Live Hindustan: “Education Ministry Survey: Only 53% of Students in Grade 6 Know the Table Up to 10,” July 9, 2025.
Jagran: “Only 53 Percent of Class Six Students Know Tables Up to Ten, Says Education Ministry,” July 9, 2025.
