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@article{189443,
        author = {Dr. CHANDAN KUMAR SINGH},
        title = {A Comprehensive Analysis of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Indian Education System},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {5770-5776},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=189443},
        abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an unprecedented global disruption, with the education sector experiencing one of the most profound transformations. In India, a country with one of the world's largest and most diverse education systems, the nationwide lockdown in March 2020 forced the closure of over 1.5 million schools and 50,000 higher education institutions, affecting more than 250 million students. This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on the Indian education system. It employs a mixed-methods approach, synthesising existing literature, policy documents, and empirical data to evaluate the sudden, forced transition from traditional, in-person learning to digital and alternative modes of education. The analysis reveals a stark digital divide that exacerbates existing socio-economic inequalities, with significant disparities in access to devices, reliable internet, and a conducive learning environment, disproportionately affecting students from rural areas, low-income households, and marginalised communities. Concurrently, the paper examines the rapid adoption of educational technology (EdTech), highlighting both its potential for fostering innovation and its limitations in ensuring inclusive learning. Psychosocial impacts, including increased student stress, anxiety, and learning loss, are critically assessed. Furthermore, the challenges faced by educators in adapting to new pedagogical tools and the financial strain on private institutions are explored. The study concludes that while the pandemic acted as a catalyst for digital adoption and exposed systemic fragilities, it also presented a critical juncture for systemic reform. The paper offers strategic recommendations focused on bridging the digital divide, re-imagining pedagogical frameworks, strengthening teacher training, and implementing robust student support systems to build a more resilient, equitable, and future-ready Indian education system.},
        keywords = {COVID-19, Indian Education System, Digital Divide, Educational Technology (EdTech), Online Learning, Learning Loss, Educational Equity.},
        month = {December},
        }