RESEARCH INITIATIVE ON STUDENT DROPOUT IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Charaideo, conducted a research study titled “A Comprehensive Study on Student Dropout from Classes I–VIII in Sapekhati and Sonari Educational Blocks of Charaideo District, Assam” during the academic session 2024–25.

The study was undertaken as per the decision of the District Academic Coordination Group (DACG), Charaideo, with the objective of understanding the factors contributing to student dropout at the elementary level and identifying the challenges affecting educational continuity among students.

The research was carried out by Dreamly Dutta, Lecturer, DIET Charaideo, and Bhaskar Jyoti Das, Lecturer, DIET Charaideo, under the overall guidance and supervision of Mr. Biman Chandra Dutta, Principal, DIET Charaideo. Financial support for the study was provided through the research fund allotted to DIET Charaideo.

The study examined the causes of dropout among students of Classes I–VIII and analysed school-level, teacher-level, and family-level factors influencing educational discontinuity. Data and insights were collected from schools, Head Teachers, Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs), and Block Elementary Education Officers (BEEOs) of Sapekhati and Sonari Educational Blocks.

The findings revealed that socio-economic challenges such as poverty, financial insecurity, child labour, household responsibilities, and migration are major contributors to student dropout. The study also highlighted block-specific trends, with higher dropout rates observed in the upper primary classes in Sonari Block and in the early grades in Sapekhati Block. Low parental literacy, limited academic support at home, and learning gaps among students were identified as additional contributing factors.

The report emphasizes that student dropout is a systemic issue requiring collaborative efforts from schools, families, communities, and educational authorities. It provides evidence-based recommendations aimed at strengthening student retention, improving learning continuity, and supporting the goals of Universal Elementary Education and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The research report was officially released on 29th January 2026 during the DACG Meeting held at DIET Charaideo in the presence of Mr. Soroj Sonowal, ADC (Education), Charaideo, marking an important contribution towards educational planning and policy interventions in the district.