Education & Skills

Access to education is only the beginning of the question. DIA’s education research looks beneath enrolment numbers to understand learning outcomes, teacher effectiveness, institutional barriers, and the social and economic factors that shape whether education translates into opportunity. We partner with governments, NGOs, and research institutions to produce evidence that supports better decisions in classrooms and in policy rooms alike.

Projects Featuring Education & Skills

Financial Life Skills Education Impact on Children

Evaluating the impact of providing children with formalised education in financial and life skills.

Partners

Aflatoun International, Utrecht University, School of Economics, Echidna Giving, MelJol,

Comprehensive Student Assessments for Large-Scale Mathematics Assessment in Andhra Pradesh

Meaningful use of technology in schools using Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL).

Partners

Central Square Foundation, Development Innovation Lab, University of Chicago, University of Chicago, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan,

Gender Equitable Schools Project

Strengthening gender-responsive school leadership to build safer, more equitable learning environments in Telangana.

Partners

Global School Leaders (GSL), Alokit, Echidna Giving, Vitol Foundation,

Evaluating the Impact of an All-Women’s STEM Program (Women Engineers Program)

A randomized evaluation of a fully-funded STEM career readiness program for first-generation women engineering students in India.

Cultivating curiosity in Science Education: Lessons from a Teacher’s Training Program

Promoting curiosity-based science learning in schools in Fatehpur, UP

Partners

Northeastern University, University of Notre Dame, Loughborough University, IIM Ahmedabad, Eco Prism Collective, Agastya Foundation,

Parental Practices and Child Outcomes: Theory and Evidence from Delhi

Can access to educational material on parenting practice improve child outcomes?

Partners

University of Glasgow,

Theatre-Based Learning Impacts on Socio-Emotional Development

Measuring the impact of theatre-based learning on student attitudes, aspirations, emotional well-being, peer relationships, and critical thinking.

Partners

Rang Kaarwaan,

Can Innovation Be Taught in Schools?

Exploring whether innovation-related critical thinking can be fostered in schools through structured curricula.

Partners

Inqui-Lab Foundation,

The Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Programme (EMDP) in Andhra Pradesh

Assessing the effectiveness of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Programme in fostering an entrepreneurial outlook among students in Andhra Pradesh.

Partners

South Asia Gender Innovation Lab, New York University Abu Dhabi, University of California, San Diego, Johns Hopkins University – SAIS, Indian Statistical Institute, Northeastern University, Bates White,

What we do

We partner with governments, development agencies, foundations, and private organizations to generate high-quality evidence, strengthen programmes, and translate research into meaningful policy and social impact.

  • Data Analytics & Policy Research

    We transform complex data into actionable insights using advanced statistical analysis, econometric modelling, predictive analytics, and mixed-methods approaches. Our policy research supports governments and development partners in designing, refining, and scaling evidence-informed programmes.

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  • Impact Evaluation

    We design and deliver rigorous impact evaluations using randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs, and other robust causal inference methods to assess whether policies, programmes, and innovations achieve their intended outcomes. Our evaluations generate credible evidence that informs investment, policy, and scale-up decisions.

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  • Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

    We design comprehensive MEL systems that enable organizations to monitor performance, evaluate implementation, and foster continuous learning. Our expertise includes Theory of Change development, logical frameworks, process evaluations, implementation research, learning agendas, and adaptive management.

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  • Programme Design & Strategy

    We help organizations design evidence-informed programmes that are practical, scalable, and results-oriented. Our services include needs assessments, programme design, Theory of Change development, results frameworks, implementation strategies, technical advisory, institutional strengthening, and evidence translation to improve programme effectiveness and long-term impact.

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  • Qualitative Research & Behavioural Insights

    We integrate qualitative inquiry with behavioural science and mixed-methods research to understand how people make decisions, experience public services, and respond to interventions. Through interviews, focus groups, ethnography, case studies, and participatory approaches, we generate rich contextual insights that complement quantitative evidence.

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