The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, titled "Beyond Basics," is a nationwide citizen-led household survey that provides insights into the activities and preparedness of youth aged 14 to 18 for leading productive lives as adults. The ASER report reveals that girls desire to continue studying after Class XII, driven by a belief in education's ability to improve homemaking and interest in studying. Boys can make these decisions, while girls often lack this power.
The ASER 2023 Beyond Basics surveyed 34,745 youngsters between the ages 14 to 18 years old across 26 states, revealing 86.8 per cent of them are enrolled in school, with one rural district in each state surveyed whereas in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, two districts were surveyed.
The ASER 2023 survey found that boys are more likely to discontinue education after class 12, while girls want to study at least to the undergraduate level. Social norms regarding marriage age influence girls' ability to study further. However, further education is rarely linked to better job market perspectives, despite the perceived increase in marriage age. The report also examines digital access and skills among Indian youth, highlighting the importance of understanding technology for future employment and participation in the digital economy.
