What was the difference in GER and NER values at primary level in 2006?

What was the difference in GER and NER values at primary level in 2006? (a) 10% (b) 14% (c) 17% (d) 20% ✅ Correct option: (b) 14% Explanation (200+ words) According to the National Education Census (NEC) 2005–06, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) at the primary level in Pakistan was around 79%, while the Net Enrollment Ratio (NER) stood at approximately 65%. The difference between GER and NER was therefore 14%. GER includes all students enrolled at a particular level regardless of age, whereas NER counts only those students who belong to the official age group for that level (5–9 years for primary education). The 14% gap highlights the presence of over-aged and under-aged children enrolled in primary schools. This situation arises due to late school entry, repetition of grades, dropouts and re-enrollment, and socio-economic factors such as poverty and lack of access. For policymakers and examiners like PPSC, this difference is crucial because it reflects system inefficiency. A higher gap indicates problems in age-appropriate enrollment, retention, and progression. Reducing this difference is a key objective of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Education for All (EFA) goals. —

10 PPSC-Relevant Facts 1. NEC conducted in 2005–06 2. GER always higher than NER 3. Primary official age: 5–9 years 4. GER includes all ages 5. NER includes official age only 6. Over-aged enrollment inflates GER 7. Difference reflects system inefficiency 8. UPE targets 100% NER 9. Dropouts affect NER 10. GER–NER gap is a frequent PPSC MCQ