25% rural kids aged 14-18 can’t read Standard 2 level in own tongue

The ASER 2023 'Beyond Basics' survey was conducted in 28 districts across 26 states, reaching a total of 34,745 youths in the age group 14-18 years. One rural district was surveyed in each major state, with the exception of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where two rural districts were surveyed.

The annual report published by the Pratham Foundation also found that more than half of the students in the 14-18 age group struggle with division problems.

"About 25 pc of this age group still cannot read a class 2 level text fluently in their regional language. More than half struggle with division (3-digit by 1-digit) problems. Only 43.3 pc of 14-18-year olds are able to do such problems correctly. This skill is usually expected in class 3 and 4.