NGTV ENGLISH
4,133 Bengal Schools Report Zero Student Enrolment
KOLKATA: West Bengal has recorded the highest number of schools in the country reporting zero student enrolment during the 2025–26 academic year, according to the latest UDISE+ data released by the Union Education Ministry.
As many as 4,133 schools in the state reported no students, while 19,502 teachers remain posted across these institutions. The figures have raised concerns over the utilisation of school infrastructure, enrolment trends and the deployment of teaching resources.
The number of zero-enrolment schools in Bengal has also increased by 321 from the previous academic year. In 2024–25, the state had reported 3,812 such schools.
The situation in Bengal contrasts sharply with the national trend. Across India, the number of schools with zero enrolment declined from 7,993 in 2024–25 to 5,663 in 2025–26. Bengal alone accounts for a significant portion of the national figure.
The data has renewed the debate over declining student enrolment, school consolidation and the rationalisation of teaching staff. The state government is considering measures to redeploy teachers from zero- and low-enrolment schools to institutions facing staff shortages.
The latest figures are expected to put further focus on how Bengal manages its public education infrastructure and ensures that available resources are effectively aligned with student needs.
