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India’s distance learning response to the COVID-19 crisis

SDGs Impacted

This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of India‘s education responses to the COVID-19 school closures and the role played by educational technology (EdTech) within this. We focus on primary and lower-secondary schooling in government schools, which covers 101 million enrolled students — or 40% of the total enrolled students in India. As there has been no unified national educational response, we have studied the actions taken by seven states: the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh (HP), Kerala, Meghalaya, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Impact / Outcome
The education response of Indian states highlights the important role that digital learning plays in mitigating learning crises and demonstrates future potential for EdTech. However, structural challenges remain — particularly limited access to internet and digital infrastructure both at home and in school. While declining internet and device costs will organically increase access over time, ensuring that this increase is efficient and equitable will require policy response.
Funding sources
Public
Key Metrics
Conceptualise and implement state-level programmes related to education, sensitive to their unique contexts and needs
Locations
India & South Asia, India
Sector
Education
Intervention lever
Policy
Operating model
Fully public
Target populations
Children, Youth
Year published
01 January 2020

The EDISON Alliance

A World Economic Forum Initiative