Yes, competition, no doubt helps to bring out maximum results. But we must also understand that competition can also lead to worst of behaviours. About competition among schools and blocks: it has often been noticed that in order to comply with the government orders, or simply to be adjudged the so-called "best" in the district/state, schools and blocks often resort to unfair means. Scores are fabricated, often teachers helping out students during tests (that is, if they are themselves capable of, which is another topic for discussion elsewhere), send wrong information about student performance reports and may also have ghost students.

Therefore, I have found the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) by Pratham Foundation to be one of the best and most credible sources of state of education in the country. They take survey by going from house to house and do not rely on the stats provided by the schools. The only drawback is that it rural based survey; comparison of rural and urban divide is difficult to gauge.