Elementary education in India is an 8-year program for children aged 6 to 14, divided into a primary stage (Classes I-V) and an upper primary stage (Classes VI-VIII). The goal is to provide foundational skills like reading, writing, and numeracy, as mandated by the Right to Education Act of 2009, which guarantees free and compulsory education. Government initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan have played a major role in universalizing this stage of education. 

Structure and curriculum

• Duration: 8 years, for ages 6-14. 
• Stages:Primary: Classes I-V (ages 6-11). 
• Upper Primary: Classes VI-VIII (ages 11-14). 
• Subjects: Includes languages, mathematics, science, social science, and physical education. 
• Purpose: To build foundational skills such as reading, writing, numeracy, comprehension, and analysis, and to foster social skills. 

Legal framework and initiatives

• Right to Education Act (2009): A justiciable legal framework that mandates free and compulsory education for all children between 6 and 14 years old. 
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): A major government program initiated in 2001 to achieve universal elementary education by providing universal access and retention, and improving learning outcomes. 

Key aspects and challenges

• Government and private sectors: Education is provided by both public and private entities, with funding and control from central, state, and local governments. 
• Focus: The program aims to improve children's skills in various areas, including academics, sports, and arts, to enable creativity, organization, and communication. 
• Challenges: Historically, challenges have included inequality in resources, high drop-out rates, and ensuring quality of education, though programs have led to significant growth in enrollment. 
• Admission: The RTE Act prohibits denying admission to a child at any time of the academic year, with provisions for special training for those admitted late. 
• Teacher training: Programs like the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) exist to train professional teachers for this stage of education.