INDIA AND SDG 4: MEASURING EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS THROUGH INDICATORS AND INSIGHTS

This study evaluates India's progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning by 2030.Adopting a mixedmethods approach, it combines quantitative analysis of national and national data with qualitative insights from policy reviews and stakeholder perspectives.The findings indicate notable improvements in enrolment rates, infrastructure, and policy reforms-particularly through the Right to Education Act and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.However, significant challenges persist, including disparities in access, poor foundational learning outcomes, and limited inclusion of marginalized groups.These gaps hinder the realization of SDG targets.The study offers targeted policy recommendations such as equity-based funding, inclusive pedagogy, teacher capacity building, and community engagement.By highlighting both achievements and persistent barriers, the research contributes valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders striving to enhance educational equity and quality in India.