The government rankings of states in school education released by HRD minister Kapil Sibal on Tuesday shows that Delhi has slipped in both primary and upper primary schooling, while West Bengal has moved up most in the rankings. The Capital’s ranking among the country’s 35 states and union

territories has dropped from sixth to eighth in primary education over the past year and from seventh to eighth in upper primary education over the same period, according to the rankings.

The rankings are based on an educational development index calculated for each state by National University for Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) researchers based on data sent by state governments.

West Bengal has shown most improvement among major states, jumping from rank 28 to 24 in primary schooling and from 34 to 29 in upper primary schooling over the past year. Puducherry has retained it’s the first position both in primary and upper primary schooling.

The rankings are based on states’ performance on numerous parameters including teacher availability, teacher-pupil ratio, facilities, student enrolment and retention.

As was reported by HT on January 27, the NUEPA statistics show an increase in the enrolment of girls, Muslims, scheduled castes and other backward classes but a reduction in total primary enrolment and a decrease in student enrolment from the scheduled tribes.