Srinagar, July 21 -- The dropout rate of students in Jammu and Kashmir has shown a mixed trend over the last three academic years, with improvement at the primary level but a worrying rise at the secondary stage, according to the data shared by the Union Ministry of Education in the Lok Sabha.

In the academic year 2023-24, the dropout rate at the primary level (Class 1-5) in Jammu and Kashmir has sharply declined to 1.6%, compared to 8.9% in 2022-23, a positive shift in retaining children during their foundational schooling years and reflects the impact of ongoing enrolment and awareness initiatives. However, the dropout rate at the secondary level (Class 9-10) has alarmingly risen to 13.4% in 2023-24, from 9.0% in the previous year. The...