The National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2025 results released on 2 July revealed a striking improvement by Himachal Pradesh. From a modest 21st place in 2021, the State jumped to the top five. Punjab and Kerala maintained their leading positions. Himachal’s 16-rank leap drew widespread attention. The NAS assesses learning outcomes in government schools across India every three years. It focuses on core subjects like language, mathematics, and science for Classes 3, 5, 8, and 10. While NAS provides valuable data for policy, it does not measure broader educational goals such as critical thinking or emotional growth.
About the National Achievement Survey
The NAS is a nationwide evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Education. It tests students in government and government-aided schools on key academic subjects. The survey occurs every three years and covers Classes 3, 5, 8, and 10. Its main aim is to provide states with data to improve learning outcomes. However, NAS focuses on easily testable skills and misses important aspects like creativity and civic awareness. It is a diagnostic tool rather than a comprehensive measure of education quality.
Significance of Himachal Pradesh’s Improvement
Himachal Pradesh’s rise is notable as it reverses years of decline. Once a model for hill states, its public education system deteriorated after liberalisation. Problems included contractual teacher hiring, low recruitment, and falling academic standards. Many students shifted to private schools, even in remote areas. Public confidence in government schools dropped sharply. Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh brought into light this decline with an example of a Class 8 student failing a Class 3 maths test. The 2025 NAS results signal a positive turnaround.
Key Reforms Leading to Success
The current government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu implemented rational restructuring and renewed focus on public education. Over 1,000 under-enrolled schools were merged to better allocate teachers and resources. A unified directorate now manages education from pre-primary to Class 12, improving accountability. Schools gained autonomy, encouraging student ownership and identity. Exposure visits for teachers and top students were introduced to learn innovative methods. A cluster-based school management model encourages peer learning and community involvement.
Limitations of NAS and Future Directions
NAS results reflect academic progress but do not capture socio-emotional wellbeing or community engagement. There is a risk of equating test scores with overall education quality. Himachal Pradesh’s true achievement lies in restoring faith in public schooling. To build on this success, the state must regularise teacher appointments, expand holistic assessments, and ensure inclusion of rural and marginalised students. Sustained reforms are essential to deepen educational impact.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of standardised assessments like the National Achievement Survey in shaping education policy in India.
- Examine the challenges faced by public education systems in hill states and analyse strategies to improve learning outcomes.
- Estimate the impact of demographic changes such as declining fertility rates on the education sector and resource allocation in India.
- Point out the significance of community participation and school autonomy in enhancing the quality of education in rural areas.
