Central Data Catalog

Since 2005, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) has been carried out annually across India. This household-based assessment is a nationwide innovative exercise of engaging citizens in evaluating and understanding basic learning outcomes in elementary education, to answer a simple question: are children learning?

Over the past 10 years, ASER has been the only annual source of information on children's learning in India. Traditionally, policy and practice in education were focused on inputs rather than outcomes. In the last ten years, the ASER exercise has contributed significantly to shifting this focus; issues related to children's learning outcomes have moved to the centre of discussions on education in India.

Facilitated by Pratham, a non-profit organization, ASER is conducted by a local organization in every rural district in the country, and uses volunteers to administer the test to children.

ASER uses simple tools one-on-one with children to assess basic reading and arithmetic levels. The instruments, administered orally only, are easy to administer and to understand. There are four samples of each assessment tool.

ASER's main purposes are:

- To obtain estimates of schooling status and basic learning levels of all children aged 5 to 16 years in rural India

- To engage citizens in evaluating and understanding basic learning levels

- To build awareness of poor learning levels and catalyze action at all levels.

Random sample

Data is disaggregated by sex, age groups, geographic location (district, regions, and states) and type of schools.

Results are disseminated through a national report. ASER also organizes several dissemination campaigns at state and national levels. The national and state releases are widely covered by national and state media (in print, television and electronic media).