Every School, A Model School

Key Highlights:

• The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme was launched on 7 September 2022.
• It aims to develop over 14,500 exemplar schools aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision.
• The scheme has a total outlay of ₹27,360 crore for the period 2022–23 to 2026–27.
• As of July 2026, 13,092 schools have been selected across 36 States/UTs, including those under KVS, NVS, and NCERT.
• PM SHRI schools focus on strengthening infrastructure, pedagogy, inclusion, and sustainability, equipping students with 21st-century skills.

Detailed Insights:

• PM SHRI is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.
• These schools are envisioned as mentor institutions, sharing practices and supporting neighbouring schools through collaboration and clustering.
• The scheme aims to foster lifelong learning and develop engaged, productive, and responsible citizens.
• It is expected to directly benefit more than 20 lakh students across the country.
• Key dimensions include Inclusive Learning, Mentorship, Green Schools, Experiential Learning, and Quality Infrastructure.
• The curriculum follows the National Curriculum Framework or State Curriculum Framework based on the 5+3+3+4 structure of NEP 2020.
• It promotes experiential learning through initiatives like bagless days and internships with local artisans.
• The scheme emphasizes equity, inclusion, and multilingual learning, encouraging the use of mother tongue in early grades.
• Technology integration includes ICT facilities, smart classrooms, and digital platforms like DIKSHA.
• Holistic student development is fostered through academic learning, extracurricular activities, sports, arts, and life-skills education.
• Teacher and school leader empowerment is achieved through professional development initiatives supported by DIETs.
• Schools are selected through a three-stage Challenge Mode based on quality benchmarks and UDISE+ data.
• Selection criteria include minimum standards for infrastructure, safety, and enrolment, with varying score requirements for urban and rural schools.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme: A government initiative to upgrade existing schools into exemplar institutions aligned with NEP 2020.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: A comprehensive framework guiding the development of education in India, focusing on holistic and multidisciplinary learning.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: A scheme where a certain percentage of funding is provided by the Central Government and the rest by the State Governments.
• DIKSHA: National Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing, a platform for digital education content for teachers, students, and parents.