ANS: India’s expenditure on education surpasses that of China and Japan, according to a recent UNESCO report. The report highlights that India has been investing a higher percentage of its gross domestic product (GDP) and government expenditure in education compared to other Central and Southern Asian countries.
Between 2015 and 2024, India allocated approximately 4.1% to 4.6% of its GDP to enhance educational initiatives. This investment aligns with international standards set by the UN Education 2030 Framework for Action, which advises countries to devote 4% to 6% of their GDP to education.
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics reports that India’s government expenditure on education during this period constituted between 13.5% and 17.2% of total public spending, meeting the Education 2030 target of allocating 15-20% of public funds to education.
India’s sustained educational investments outpace those of many Central and Southern Asian neighbors, particularly as the region faces a trend of declining average education spending. While countries like Nepal and Bhutan allocate a comparable 4-6% of GDP, Afghanistan and Pakistan fall behind in education funding.
In 2022, India’s education spending was only outdone in the region by Bhutan (7.5%), Kazakhstan (7.2%), Maldives (4.7%), Tajikistan (5.7%), and Uzbekistan (5.2%). India’s investment in education is also significantly higher than that of other major Asian nations, including China and Japan.
Despite a concerning global decline in education spending—from 13.2% in 2010 to 12.5% in 2020, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—India’s commitment to education remains unwavering. This stability reinforces the country’s dedication to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to provide inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.