The decreasing enrollment in Tamil Nadu’s Class XII State Board schools, dropping from 8,03,385 to 7,94,075 students this year, is attributed to several factors. Education experts cite migration, entrance exam pressures, and a growing trend among parents to switch their children to CBSE schools for better preparation for exams like NEET and JEE. Additionally, many students are opting for vocational courses in polytechnic colleges.
Changing board affiliations from State Board to CBSE by schools further reflects this shift. Economic pressures forcing boys into the workforce and inadequate facilities in government schools also contribute to the trend. Education officials and advocates urge improved infrastructure and support in public schools to counteract these challenges and retain students.