For a variety of reasons, Bihar is one of the most interesting states in India to understand educational choices.  Given the national push for universalising secondary education across the country, a detailed understanding of the context in which this is likely to happen can provide important insights for future policy and practice.

This IGC-funded research study is a pilot study for understanding the interrelated aspects of access to and participation of children transitioning from upper primary to secondary schools in Bihar. The study will have two major components: the first part will analyse the policy landscape of secondary education at the national and the state level, document various schemes launched to encourage secondary education, and analyse budgetary provisions and expenditure patterns.