A World Bank survey studying absenteeism in many countries found that 25% of teachers in India miss work on an average every day, but this rate is not prevalent in all states. They study also found that of those present only 50% are "engaged in the act of teaching." The average teacher absenteeism in the 6 surveyed countries was 19%.

The study suggested many reasons for absenteeism. Firstly, there is very little chance that they may be fired as only one in 3000 principals had ever fired a teacher for repeated absence. Secondly, there is little monitoring of teachers in the schools because of the cost, distance, and local facilities. Thirdly, local bodies monitor the presence of teachers but are not empowered to take action if a teacher does not show up for work. Fourthly, there seemed to be very little expectation on performance that is hardly enforced. Fifthly, in some states with high political criminals, there is the fear factor-- a reprimanded teacher related to a political criminal may be injurious to life. Sixthly, pay increases or levels had no influence on the absentee record because the rate of absenteeism is the same for principals and contract teachers.

Habitual absenteeism is seen as a major hurdle to development of education and rural poor.