19,518 unrecognised schools in India; highest in Jharkhand, Bihar: Education ministry

According to the data shared by the ministry of education in Lok Sabha, there are a total of 19,518 “unrecognised schools” in India. The highest number of unrecognised schools is in Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam and West Bengal.

The least number of unrecognised schools are currently in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. As per the data shared by the ministry, a total of 5,701 “unrecognised schools” are in Jharkhand, 4,159 in Bihar and 2,475 in Assam.

While replying to a question in Lok Sabha regarding operations of unrecognised schools, the education ministry stated that the schools that are not owned or funded by the central government, fall under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments.

Consequently, the management of such schools is governed by the rules and guidelines issued by the concerned state government. Therefore, the regularisation of, or action against, unrecognised schools is the responsibility of the respective state or UT government.

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However, under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, every student between 6-14 years of age has the right to free and compulsory elementary education in a neighbourhood school. Section 12(1)(c) of the Act requires private unaided schools to reserve at least 25% of entry-level seats for children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, and to provide free and compulsory elementary education until completion.

List of unrecognised schools in India

The list of “unrecognised schools” across states and union territories (UTs) is given below.