Over 1 lakh schools in India functioning with a single teacher

More than one lakh schools in India operate with a single teacher, according to UDISE+ data for 2025-26.

Andhra Pradesh tops with 16,357 single-teacher schools, followed by Jharkhand (9,827) and Maharashtra (9,269).

Seven states account for nearly 65% of all single-teacher schools, including Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

The national pupil-teacher ratios (19:1 primary, 17:1 upper primary, 15:1 secondary, 23:1 higher secondary) mask sharp local imbalances.

Vacancies arise from retirements, resignations, staff rationalisation, and changing enrolment; states are advised to fill posts transparently.