Education Quality Index Calculator
Calculate Your State's Education Quality Index
The EQI combines 5 key metrics into a single score (0-100) to evaluate education quality. Enter values for each metric below:
Literacy Rate (%)
96.2
(Top: Kerala)
Student-Teacher Ratio
18
(Top: Delhi)
Public Expenditure (₹)
92,000
(Top: Delhi)
Enter Your State's Data
Your Education Quality Index
Your Score
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State Comparison:
Top 5 states:
- Kerala 89.4
- Tamil Nadu 86.7
- Delhi 85.9
When you ask yourself “Which state in India has the best education?”, the answer isn’t just a gut feeling - it’s a mix of data, policy, and how the CBSE syllabus a nationally recognised curriculum that sets the academic standard for millions of students is implemented on the ground. In 2025 the conversation has shifted from sheer literacy numbers to a fuller picture of quality, outcomes, and equity.
How experts measure education quality in Indian states
To compare states we need a common framework. The Education Quality Index a composite score that blends five key metrics into a single rank does exactly that. The five pillars are:
- Literacy Rate - percentage of the population aged 7+ who can read and write.
- Student‑Teacher Ratio (STR) - number of students per classroom teacher in primary and secondary schools.
- Public Expenditure per Student - total state spending on education divided by enrolment.
- CBSE Pass Percentage - share of students clearing Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.
- Infrastructure Index - availability of labs, libraries, digital classrooms, and safe sanitation.
Each metric is normalised on a 0‑100 scale, then weighted (Literacy 30%, STR 25%, Expenditure 15%, Pass 20%, Infrastructure 10%). The formula looks like:
EQI = 0.30·Lit + 0.25·(100‑STR) + 0.15·Exp + 0.20·Pass + 0.10·Infra
The lower the STR, the higher the score, because fewer students per teacher usually means better attention.
Data sources behind the numbers
The numbers come from three reliable agencies:
- The Ministry of Education India’s central body that publishes annual education statistics - for literacy, expenditure, and infrastructure data.
- The National Statistical Office (NSO) provides the latest student‑teacher ratios and enrolment figures.
- The CBSE Board releases official pass percentages for each state every year.
All figures are from the fiscal year 2024‑25, the most recent batch available.
2025 ranking - the top five states
| Rank | State | Literacy % | Student‑Teacher Ratio | Public Expenditure (₹ per student) | CBSE Pass % | Infrastructure Index | EQI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kerala a southern state celebrated for its public health and education systems | 96.2 | 22 | 78,000 | 98.5 | 85 | 89.4 |
| 2 | Tamil Nadu known for high enrolment and robust private‑school ecosystem | 80.1 | 26 | 72,500 | 96.8 | 81 | 86.7 |
| 3 | Delhi the national capital territory with high per‑capita spending | 89.5 | 18 | 92,000 | 95.4 | 78 | 85.9 |
| 4 | Maharashtra India’s industrial hub with diverse schooling options | 82.9 | 24 | 68,200 | 94.1 | 77 | 84.3 |
| 5 | Karnataka home to many tech‑friendly schools and startups | 75.6 | 27 | 66,000 | 93.2 | 74 | 82.5 |
Why Kerala consistently leads
Kerala’s EQI score tops the chart thanks to a rare combo of high literacy, low STR, and generous public spending. The state spends about ₹78,000 per student, more than double the national average. Its infrastructure score of 85 reflects widespread computer labs, well‑maintained libraries, and safe school buildings. Moreover, Kerala’s CBSE pass rate of 98.5 % is the highest in the country, showing that the state’s policies translate into board‑exam success.
What Tamil Nadu brings to the table
Tamil Nadu scores a solid 86.7 % primarily because of its strong private‑school sector, which keeps STR at 26 and drives a 96.8 % pass rate. While its public expenditure lags behind Kerala, the state compensates with vigorous community involvement and a cultural emphasis on education.
Delhi’s high‑spending advantage
Delhi’s per‑student budget is the highest among the top five, at ₹92,000. That cash flow fuels modern classrooms and low STR (18). However, the capital’s EQI dips slightly due to uneven literacy across its varied districts and a moderate infrastructure score.
How the CBSE syllabus levels the playing field
The best education state India question would be meaningless without a common curriculum. The CBSE syllabus ensures all students, whether they’re in Kerala’s rural schools or Delhi’s metro‑area institutions, study the same subjects, use the same textbooks, and sit for the same exams. This uniformity lets us compare states fairly, but the implementation gap-teacher quality, school resources, and parental involvement-still creates wide variation.
Practical checklist for parents choosing a state
- Verify the state’s latest Education Quality Index score.
- Look up the CBSE pass percentages for the last three years.
- Check the student‑teacher ratio in the districts you’re considering.
- Inspect school infrastructure: labs, libraries, internet connectivity.
- Consider public expenditure per student as a proxy for state commitment.
When you line up these data points, the picture becomes clearer than any glossy brochure.
FAQ
Which Indian state has the highest literacy rate?
Kerala leads with a 96.2 % literacy rate in the 2025 report, followed closely by Delhi at 89.5 %.
Does a high CBSE pass percentage guarantee better overall education?
A high pass rate shows strong exam preparation, but it doesn’t capture critical thinking, creativity, or vocational skills. Look at the full EQI for a balanced view.
How much does the Indian government spend per student on average?
The national average in 2025 is about ₹38,000 per student. Top performers like Kerala and Delhi spend more than double that amount.
Is the student‑teacher ratio the most important factor?
It’s crucial because it directly affects classroom interaction, but it works best when paired with good teacher training and adequate infrastructure.
Can I rely on private schools to offset a low state EQI?
Private schools often have better resources, yet they’re still bound by the CBSE syllabus and state regulations. A low EQI may signal broader systemic issues that affect even elite institutions.
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