Lok Sabha Question No. 3647 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Dropout rate of Students in HEI
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3647

ANSWERED ON- 11/08/2025

## Dropout rate of Students in HEI

3647. Shri Sachithanantham R:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) the details of dropouts rate of marginalized students from IITs, IIMs and Central Universities and other Higher Educational Institutions;

(b)  the  total  number  of  OBC,  SC  and  ST  students  dropped  out  from  Higher  Educational  Institute during 2024-2025;

(c) whether the Higher Educational Institutions are having Equal Opportunity Cells and SC/ST Cells, Institute-wise; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a) to (d): In the Higher Education sector, students have multiple options and they choose and migrate from  one  course  or  programme  to  another,  as  such  there  is  no  concept  of  Drop  Out  in  Higher education. However, to increase Access in Higher Education, the Government has taken various steps like Financial Assistance and Scholarships like Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PMUSP)  Scheme,  fee  waiver/reduction  of  disadvantaged  groups,  promote  study  loans  like  PMVidyalakshmi scheme, establishment of more institutes, student support system like Establishment of Counselling Cells, strengthening of Grievance Redressal Mechanism, providing Remedial Coaching, initiatives under online and digital learning (ODL) like SWAYAM, National Digital Library (NDL) and e-PG Pathshala. Further, in light of NEP 2020, a slew of initiatives for academic reforms have been undertaken like Multiple Entry  and  Exit  Options,  Academic  Bank  of  Credits  (ABC),  Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) etc.

To address the issue of equity and inclusion in the education, Government has taken multipronged approach and initiatives. UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012 have been notified, which is applicable to all the HEIs under its purview. It provides for HEIs to take measures to safeguard the interests of the students without any prejudice to their caste, creed, religion,  language,  ethnicity,  gender  and  disability.  The  regulation  provides  for  establishment  of Equal Opportunity Cell and appointment of Anti-Discrimination Officer in each University. It also stipulates  setting  up  of  Counselling  Centres  with  professionally  trained  counsellors  to  provide services to students, research scholars and faculty including non-teaching staff.

In  order  to  proactively  address  any  issues  of  SC  /  ST  students,  Institutes  have  set  up  mechanisms such as SC / ST students' cells, Equal Opportunity Cell, Student Grievance Cell, Student Grievance Committee, Student Social Club, Liaison officers, Liaison Committee etc. Further, University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued instructions  from  time  to  time  for  promoting  equity  and  fraternity amongst students.

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