Skip to main content
Loading page, please wait…
HomeCurrent AffairsEditorialsGovt SchemesLearning ResourcesUPSC SyllabusPricingAboutBest UPSC AIUPSC AI ToolAI for UPSCUPSC ChatGPT

© 2026 Vaidra. All rights reserved.

PrivacyTerms
Vaidra Logo
Vaidra

Top 4 items + smart groups

UPSC GPT
New
Current Affairs
Daily Solutions
Daily Puzzle
Mains Evaluator

Version 2.0.0 • Built with ❤️ for UPSC aspirants

PM SHRI Schools — Govt Scheme for UPSC | Vaidra
  1. Home
  2. Prepare
  3. Government Schemes
  4. PM SHRI Schools

PM SHRI Schools

Ministry of EducationactiveeducationLaunched: 2022-09-07

About the Scheme

PM Schools for Rising India to develop exemplar schools with modern infrastructure and holistic education, showcasing the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.

Target Beneficiaries: 2 crore students from pre-primary to Class XII across 14,500 PM SHRI Schools (12,079 already selected) through NEP 2020 implementation, modern infrastructure, and comprehensive educational facilities

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Education (Department of School Education & Literacy), Government of India, in partnership with State/UT Governments and local bodies.

Official Website →

✦Key Features

  • Implementation of NEP 2020 pedagogical approaches, focusing on experiential, holistic, integrated, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, and learner-centric teaching.
  • Emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) for all students and provision of early childhood care and education.
  • Provision of modern infrastructure including ICT, smart classrooms, sports facilities, art rooms, and a focus on green school initiatives.
  • Integration of vocational education, skill development, and local heritage, preparing students for future challenges.
  • Continuous assessment and progress tracking of students based on learning outcomes, ensuring holistic development.
  • These schools will act as model schools and also mentor other schools in their vicinity.

✓Eligibility Criteria

  • Existing schools managed by Central/State/UT governments or local bodies are eligible for selection.
  • Schools must meet specific criteria related to student enrollment, infrastructure availability, and academic performance.
  • Selection is done through a challenge mode, where schools are evaluated based on a set of indicators.
  • States/UTs must commit to implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and provide necessary support.
  • Schools should have a minimum student enrollment specified by the scheme guidelines.

★Benefits

  • Enhanced quality of education and improved learning outcomes for students across all grades.
  • Creation of model schools that can mentor and handhold other schools in their vicinity, fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Promotion of equitable access to quality education, especially in remote, rural, and disadvantaged areas.
  • Development of future-ready citizens with critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills.
  • Strengthening of the public education system in line with national educational goals and global best practices.

▶Application Process

  • States/UTs identify eligible schools based on a detailed framework and criteria provided by the Ministry of Education.
  • Schools apply through an online portal, submitting the required information and documents.
  • The selection process involves a three-stage challenge mode: States/UTs recommend schools, followed by evaluation by a Central committee.
  • Final selection is based on a transparent, objective, and indicator-based process.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between the Central government, State/UT government, and the selected school.

₹ Budget Allocation

18128

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 60:40 (Center:State) for General States; 90:10 for NE/Hilly States

Exam Relevance

GS Paper: GS2

Prelims Relevance8%
Mains Relevance9%

Syllabus Tags

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020Samagra Shiksha AbhiyanDigital India InitiativeSkill India MissionSustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education)Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)Green School InitiativesPublic-Private Partnership in Education

Historical Context

Approved by the Union Cabinet on September 7, 2022, to transform 14,500+ schools.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Schools not run by Central Government/State/UT Governments/Local Bodies
  • Schools failing to meet the minimum benchmark criteria in the selection challenge mode

Sub-Schemes

Hub-and-Spoke Mentorship Model

Mentorship by PM SHRI schools to nearby schools.

Challenges

  • Maintaining consistent quality across 14,500 diverse schools
  • Resistance from some states to implement the scheme due to naming or branding issues
  • Ensuring long-term funding sustainability after the 5-year central support ends

Reforms & Recommendations

  • Periodic third-party social audits of learning outcomes
  • Stronger emphasis on bilingual education as per NEP mandates
  • Incentivizing private sector CSR for 'Adopt a PM SHRI School' initiatives

Performance Statistics

Metric

–27,360 Crore

Source: Ministry of Education

Metric

14,500+

Source: PIB

Critical Analysis

PM SHRI is designed as a laboratory for the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Unlike the earlier Kendriya Vidyalayas which served specific central employees, PM SHRI aims to transform existing state/local body schools into 'exemplars'. The strength lies in its 'Green School' concept and focus on pedagogy rather than just infrastructure. However, a potential risk is the creation of a 'two-tier' system within the public school network—high-tech PM SHRI schools vs. neglected neighborhood schools. For the scheme to truly succeed, the 'Hub-and-Spoke' model must ensure that the innovations in PM SHRI schools actually trickle down to surrounding institutions.

SDG Linkages

SDG 4 (Quality Education)SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy - via Green Schools)

Constitutional Backing

Article 21A (Right to Education)Directive Principles - Article 45 (Provision for early childhood care and education)

Technology Used

Smart ClassroomsICT LabsPM SHRI Portal (Management Information System)

Success Stories

Phase-1 Rollout Success

Key Takeaways

  • Transformation of 14,500+ schools
  • Focus on NEP 2020 pedagogy
  • Green School initiatives (solar, water harvesting)
  • Assessment based on learning outcomes

Probable Questions

How do PM SHRI schools intend to serve as 'change agents' for the Indian education system in the context of NEP 2020?

MediumHigh

Mains Answer Fodder

Use PM SHRI in answers regarding 'NEP 2020 Implementation', 'Quality of Education', and 'Sustainable Infrastructure in Public Buildings'. It exemplifies the 'Demonstration Effect' in public policy.

Convergence Schemes

  • Samagra Shiksha
  • Skill India
  • Digital India
  • PM Poshan

Sector Tags

EducationEnvironmentSustainability