Abstract

This policy brief reviewed the status of secondary education in Tamil Nadu (TN) and analysed public expenditure in this sector, highlighting challenges and opportunities for improvement. Despite TN’s performance exceeding the all-India average, it lagged behind Kerala, the top-performing state. The study found high net attendance ratios (NAR) at the upper-primary and secondary levels, yet significant dropout rates were observed between secondary and senior secondary education. This dropout trend underscored the importance of secondary education as a critical link to higher education and the labour market.

The research aimed to assess public expenditure on secondary education, evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of selected schemes, and examine inter-departmental coordination issues. Methodologies included a review of secondary data from the NSSO 71st round and UDISE, alongside policy and institutional assessments, public expenditure analysis, and fieldwork. The findings indicated that targeted public policies and strategic investments could enhance the quality and accessibility of secondary education in TN, ultimately fostering better educational outcomes and addressing existing disparities. This brief aimed to provide insights for policymakers to strengthen the state’s educational framework and support inclusive growth.

CBPS. (2020). Public expenditure review of secondary education sector in Tamil Nadu: a policy brief. Bengaluru: Centre for Budget and Policy Studies.