The present research paper examines the persistent problem of school dropout and non-enrolment in India through a state-level analysis, with special reference to primary and upper primary education. The study is based on secondary data obtained from the 71st and 75th rounds of the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), which provide a comprehensive picture of educational participation across Indian states. By comparing patterns of enrolment and dropout across two different survey rounds, the paper attempts to identify regional disparities and continuity in trends over time.vThe analysis reveals that several central Indian states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, consistently lag behind other states in terms of school enrolment and retention at both primary and upper primary levels. The persistence of similar patterns in both NSSO rounds indicates that structural and region-specific challenges such as poverty, inadequate school infrastructure, distance to schools, and socio- economic constraints continue to hinder universal access to education.