File photo NEW DELHI: The number of secondary schools with integrated science laboratories rose by about 10,000 in three years, but coverage fell to 54.6% in 2025-26, from 57.1% a year earlier and 55.9% in 2023-24, as the number of these schools expanded faster. The latest UDISE+ data shows the gap is not confined to govt schools – the situation was similar for govt-aided and private schools.The share of schools with secondary sections having integrated science laboratories stood at 54.6% in 2025-26, down from the three-year peak of 57.1% in 2024-25 and 55.9% in 2023-24.In absolute terms, the number of schools with such laboratories increased from 1.6 lakh in 2023-24 to 1.7 lakh in 2025-26. However, the number of schools offering secondary education rose faster – from around 2.9 lakh to 3.1 lakh, pulling down overall coverage.The report stresses the need for “adequate and safe infrastructure… computing devices, internet, libraries, and sports and recreational resources”. It also warns that an imbalance in the availability of schools at different levels “may pose the risk of large-scale dropout of students at the higher classes”.The management-wise trend is uneven.Govt schools saw integrated science lab coverage edge up from 50.2% in 2023-24 to 51.1% in 2025-26. In contrast, govt-aided schools declined from 63.2% to 59.9%, while private unaided schools fell from 60.7% to 57.5%.State-level data shows sharp contrasts. Bihar remained among the laggards, with only 26.9% of secondary schools having integrated science labs in 2025-26, though this improved from 23% in 2023-24.Assam rose sharply from 28.8% to 43.3%. Gujarat slipped from 46.7% to 43.8%, while Andhra Pradesh fell from 61.9% to 48.7% as secondary schooling expanded.Among the best performers, Delhi reported 99.7% coverage, followed by Chhattisgarh at 79.8% and Haryana at 77.4%. Goa, however, declined from 95.2% in 2023-24 to 79.6% in the latest report.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

File photo NEW DELHI: The number of secondary schools with integrated science laboratories rose by about 10,000 in three years, but coverage fell to 54.6% in 2025-26, from 57.1% a year earlier and 55.9% in 2023-24, as the number of these schools expanded faster. The latest UDISE+ data shows the gap is not confined to govt schools – the situation was similar for govt-aided and private schools.The share of schools with secondary sections having integrated science laboratories stood at 54.6% in 2025-26, down from the three-year peak of 57.1% in 2024-25 and 55.9% in 2023-24.In absolute terms, the number of schools with such laboratories increased from 1.6 lakh in 2023-24 to 1.7 lakh in 2025-26. However, the number of schools offering secondary education rose faster – from around 2.9 lakh to 3.1 lakh, pulling down overall coverage.The report stresses the need for “adequate and safe infrastructure… computing devices, internet, libraries, and sports and recreational resources”. It also warns that an imbalance in the availability of schools at different levels “may pose the risk of large-scale dropout of students at the higher classes”.The management-wise trend is uneven.Govt schools saw integrated science lab coverage edge up from 50.2% in 2023-24 to 51.1% in 2025-26. In contrast, govt-aided schools declined from 63.2% to 59.9%, while private unaided schools fell from 60.7% to 57.5%.State-level data shows sharp contrasts. Bihar remained among the laggards, with only 26.9% of secondary schools having integrated science labs in 2025-26, though this improved from 23% in 2023-24.Assam rose sharply from 28.8% to 43.3%. Gujarat slipped from 46.7% to 43.8%, while Andhra Pradesh fell from 61.9% to 48.7% as secondary schooling expanded.Among the best performers, Delhi reported 99.7% coverage, followed by Chhattisgarh at 79.8% and Haryana at 77.4%. Goa, however, declined from 95.2% in 2023-24 to 79.6% in the latest report.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war


Lab availability fails to match rise in school numbers

NEW DELHI: The number of secondary schools with integrated science laboratories rose by about 10,000 in three years, but coverage fell to 54.6% in 2025-26, from 57.1% a year earlier and 55.9% in 2023-24, as the number of these schools expanded faster. The latest UDISE+ data shows the gap is not confined to govt schools – the situation was similar for govt-aided and private schools.The share of schools with secondary sections having integrated science laboratories stood at 54.6% in 2025-26, down from the three-year peak of 57.1% in 2024-25 and 55.9% in 2023-24.In absolute terms, the number of schools with such laboratories increased from 1.6 lakh in 2023-24 to 1.7 lakh in 2025-26. However, the number of schools offering secondary education rose faster – from around 2.9 lakh to 3.1 lakh, pulling down overall coverage.The report stresses the need for “adequate and safe infrastructure… computing devices, internet, libraries, and sports and recreational resources”. It also warns that an imbalance in the availability of schools at different levels “may pose the risk of large-scale dropout of students at the higher classes”.The management-wise trend is uneven.Govt schools saw integrated science lab coverage edge up from 50.2% in 2023-24 to 51.1% in 2025-26. In contrast, govt-aided schools declined from 63.2% to 59.9%, while private unaided schools fell from 60.7% to 57.5%.State-level data shows sharp contrasts. Bihar remained among the laggards, with only 26.9% of secondary schools having integrated science labs in 2025-26, though this improved from 23% in 2023-24.Assam rose sharply from 28.8% to 43.3%. Gujarat slipped from 46.7% to 43.8%, while Andhra Pradesh fell from 61.9% to 48.7% as secondary schooling expanded.Among the best performers, Delhi reported 99.7% coverage, followed by Chhattisgarh at 79.8% and Haryana at 77.4%. Goa, however, declined from 95.2% in 2023-24 to 79.6% in the latest report.



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