The 2001 Census does not provide information on enrolment and attendance rates. It is available in the NSSO and NCAER India—Human Development Survey, 2004-05. While an increase in enrolment is observed for all socio-religious communities, the increase has been the highest among SCs/STs (95%), followed by Muslims (65%). Enrolment rates are very low in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttranchal. In fact, in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh, enrolment rates for Muslim children are lower than all other socio-religious communities. The NCAER estimates of current enrolment rates are lower than the NSSO estimates. The difference between Muslims (74%) and the remaining population (83%) is much sharper (Sachhar Committee Report, p. 57).

As many as 25 per cent of Muslim children in the 6-14 age group have either never attended school or have dropped out. This is higher than that of any other socio-religious communities considered by the Sachhar Committee. Overall, while the share of dropouts and children who have never attended school is still higher among Muslims than most other socio-religious communities, enrolment rates have risen significantly in recent years. The Committee also noted (p. 58) that apart from economic circumstances of the households, school enrolment for different communities is significantly affected by the local level of development (availability of schools and other infrastructure) and the educational status of the parents. So far as the educational attainment is concerned, the Muslims are in very bad state. While 26% of those 17 years and above have completed matriculation, this percentage is only 17% among Muslims. The initial disparities between Muslim and ‘All Others’ have widened. The increase in disparity is most apparent in urban areas for females and amongst rural males. The gaps are vast increasing over time, contrary to the expectation that as the overall educational system improves disparities will be reduced (p. 60).

It is important to find out the rate at which persons from different communities move into higher levels of education. About 62% of the eligible children in the High Caste and other religious groups (excluding Muslims) are likely to complete primary education followed by Muslims (44%), SCs (39%) and STs (32%). However, once children complete primary education, the proportion of children completing middle school is the same (65%) for Muslims, STs and SCs but lower than ‘All Others’ (75%). The next transition also shows a similar pattern; about 50% of Muslim and SC/ST Children who have completed middle school are likely to complete secondary school as well., which is lower than ‘All Other’ group (65%). On the other hand, the Gopal Singh Committee (constituted by the Government of India as a High Power Panel on 10 May 1980 vide Government Resolution No. 3/4/A/80-CHC) found only 4% Muslim students against their population percentage of 11.28% in its survey of 8 Boards of Secondary Education’s Xth level in sample states. At the XII th level, it found only 2.49% Muslim students against their population percentage of 10.30%.