The school education system in India is the largest in the world, catering to over 260 million young people each year. Jointly managed at the national and state levels, many initiatives have been undertaken to improve access to quality schooling – particularly for those who are economically or socially disadvantaged. With thriving competition from private schools, there have been clear efforts within the government sector to offer parents and children what they most need and want: quality education leading to improved life opportunities. This report will provide a useful overview of this complex system for those who are interested to learn about the structure, mechanisms and policies that ultimately drive both individual and national development.