A Trend Analysis of Teacher Retention and Attrition Patterns in Government Schools: Evidence from National Educational Statistics (2015–2023)

Abstract

Teacher retention and attrition represent critical challenges in the Indian education system, particularly within government schools. This study employs a secondary data analysis approach to examine longitudinal trends in teacher workforce dynamics across Indian government schools from 2015 to 2023. Drawing upon data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), Parliamentary Standing Committee Reports, and Ministry of Education statistics, the research investigates patterns of teacher vacancies, contractual employment, regional disparities, and their implications for educational quality. The findings reveal persistent structural challenges including approximately 10 lakh vacant teaching positions, disproportionate distribution between rural and urban areas, and an increasing reliance on contractual teachers. The study identifies key factors influencing attrition including inadequate compensation, limited career progression, excessive administrative burden, and geographical deployment concerns. Regional analysis demonstrates significant interstate variations, with states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand accounting for over half of total vacancies. The research contributes to policy discourse by recommending evidence-based interventions aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, emphasizing the urgent need for systematic recruitment, improved service conditions, and rationalized teacher deployment strategies to achieve the envisioned pupil-teacher ratio of 30:1.