51% of India’s 5-year-olds in Class 1 instead of preschool: UNESCO report flags concern

More than half of India’s five‑year‑old children are enrolled in primary school instead of pre‑primary education, according to UNESCO’s 2026 Global Education Monitoring report released on Friday. This trend raises concerns that children are entering formal schooling before the recommended age. The report highlights the need for better alignment with early childhood education guidelines.

More than half of India’s five-year-olds are enrolled in primary school rather than pre-primary education, raising concerns about whether children are entering formal schooling before the recommended age, according to UNESCO’s 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report released on Friday.

Summarised by Agaah from Hindustan Times. Agaah aggregates 36 sources and removes duplicate coverage — all news, one place.