Shimla: Himachal Pradesh has made a striking leap in the national school education rankings — climbing from 21st to 5th in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) for 2023–24, and earning top marks in the ASER report for reading and learning outcomes. Education Minister Rohit Thakur has described this shift as a “remarkable turnaround,” attributing it to a mix of administrative reforms and the dedication of teachers and staff under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s “Vyavastha Parivartan” initiative. But for students, parents, and youngsters across the state, what does this ranking really mean? Let’s unpack the numbers, the reforms, and the ground reality to give you a clearer picture.
According to the latest PGI 2023-24 report, Himachal Pradesh scored 573.8 points – a substantial 41-point jump from 532.8 in 2022-23. This represents the second-highest improvement nationally, trailing only Delhi. The NAS 2025 (also called PARAKH 2025) ranked the state fifth overall, with particularly strong performances in Grade 3 (74 marks, second only to Punjab) and top ASER rankings for reading and learning outcomes.
Perhaps most notably, Himachal outperformed traditionally strong states like Kerala in several metrics – a significant achievement for a hilly state facing unique logistical challenges. The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) Class 10 results for 2025 showed a pass percentage of 79.8%, up 5.19% from the previous year, while Class 12 results reached 83.16%, with girls dominating the merit lists.
Beyond the Rankings: The Reality Check
While these statistics are encouraging, they don’t capture the complete educational landscape.
1. Persistent Learning Gaps
Despite ASER’s first-place ranking for reading and learning, NAS 2024 reveals that Class 3 learning levels remain below pre-COVID benchmarks. The national trend shows literacy and numeracy proficiency declining as students advance to higher grades, and Himachal follows this pattern. The 2021 NAS exposed eighth-graders struggling with third-grade curriculum – a gap that current reforms are only beginning to address.
Which means foundational skills in mathematics and reading may require additional effort outside the classroom to ensure solid academic grounding.
2. School Consolidation Challenges
The government’s “rationalization” strategy has resulted in merging approximately 450 schools with low or zero enrollment, particularly in remote areas like Lahaul-Spiti, where some schools employed eight teachers for merely three students. While Minister Thakur defends this as practical resource management, it raises accessibility concerns for rural students. Attending merged schools may mean longer commutes, especially challenging during harsh winter months when mountain roads become treacherous.
3. Staffing Struggles Continue
Despite reform promises, the education department faces ongoing staffing challenges. Pending promotions for Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) and other positions, supposedly resolved within two months, highlight administrative delays. Teacher shortages in rural schools persist, directly affecting instructional quality, that might lead to overworked teachers or vacant positions disrupting learning environment.
4. The Urban-Rural Education Divide
State-wide rankings mask significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Urban centers like Shimla and Dharamshala consistently outperform rural regions. Districts such as Kangra and Una, which produced top HPBOSE performers, benefit from superior infrastructure and coaching access. Rural students face inconsistent electricity, limited internet connectivity, and fewer extracurricular opportunities. With this system may appear to favor urban peers, creating an uneven playing field for academic and career opportunities.
5. Exam-Centric Pressure Persists
While pass percentages have improved, the emphasis on board exam results often overshadows holistic learning development. The HPBOSE Class 12 English paper required rescheduling in 2025 due to suspected leakage, adding unnecessary stress for students. Many young people report that rote learning still dominates educational practices, leaving minimal room for critical thinking or practical skills essential for employment and higher education.
Government Initiatives Under Sukhu’s Leadership
- School Consolidation: Reducing low-enrollment schools to optimize resource utilization, though rural connectivity issues limit digital learning effectiveness and mergers can disrupt access.
- Aggressive Teacher Recruitment: The government hired 4,000 teachers and 700 lecturers in the past year, dramatically exceeding the previous administration’s five-year total of 500 positions.
- English-Medium Education: Introducing English-medium instruction from Class 1 to enhance future job prospects and global competitiveness.
- Educational Exposure Programs: Organizing trips to provide meritorious students and teachers with enriching learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings.
The Bottom Line
Himachal’s jump to fifth in the school education index is a step forward, but it’s not a miracle fix. The state has made strides in governance and foundational learning, but challenges like rural access, teacher shortages, and outdated teaching methods persist. For students and youngsters, this means celebrating the progress while staying proactive about your education. The rankings are a tool, not a trophy – use them to demand better schools, better teachers, and a system that truly prepares you for the future.
