PM SHRI Scheme: Transforming Schools Under NEP 2020

Why in News?

The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme has gained attention for its progress in transforming existing schools into exemplar institutions aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As of July 2026, 13,092 schools have been selected across 36 States/UTs, covering around 90% of the target of over 14,500 schools.

Key Facts About PM SHRI

  • Launch: 7th September 2022
  • Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
  • Implementing Agency: Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education
  • Objective: Strengthen existing schools and develop them as exemplar institutions showcasing effective implementation of NEP 2020
  • Target: More than 14,500 existing schools managed by the Central Government, State/UT Governments and local bodies, including schools under Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS)
  • Duration: Five years (2022–23 to 2026–27)
  • Funding: Total project cost of ₹27,360 crore, with a Central share of ₹18,128 crore
  • Rising Investment: Project Approval Board (PAB) outlay increased from ₹2,520 crore (2023–24) to ₹5,224 crore (2026–27) — a rise of around 107%
  • Coverage: 13,092 schools across 725 districts and 8,340 blocks/ULBs

Strategic Focus

  • Model Schools for Regional Transformation: PM SHRI schools act as mentor institutions for neighbouring schools through collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building, creating a multiplier effect.
  • Holistic Learning Approach: Promotes lifelong learning and development of engaged, productive and responsible citizens through learner-centred education.
  • NEP 2020 Implementation: Showcases equitable, inclusive and joyful learning environments while developing 21st-century skills.

How PM SHRI Schools Transform School Education

1. Learning Designed Around the Child
  • NEP 2020-Based Curriculum: Follows CBSE or State/UT curriculum aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) under the 5+3+3+4 curricular structure.
  • Contextualised Learning: States/UTs have flexibility to adapt curricula to local needs.
  • Experiential Learning: Bagless days, internships with local artisans, study of local arts, crafts and traditions, and preservation of indigenous knowledge.
2. Equity, Inclusion and Multilingual Learning
  • Inclusive Education: Addresses diverse backgrounds, multilingual needs and varied learning abilities.
  • Promotion of Local Languages: Mother tongue/local language as medium of instruction, particularly in early grades.
  • Language Support (UDISE+ 2025–26 data): 6,102 Sanskrit teachers, 1,994 Urdu teachers and 9,152 regional language teachers in PM SHRI Schools.
  • Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: Supported through community participation and local language-based learning.
3. Technology-Enabled Learning
  • Digital Infrastructure: ICT facilities, smart classrooms, internet connectivity and digital learning platforms.
  • Skill Development: Digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving and technological competencies.
  • Digital Resources: Platforms such as DIKSHA facilitate sharing of learning materials.
4. Holistic Student Development
  • Integration of academics with sports, arts, extracurricular activities and life-skills education.
  • Focus on creativity, leadership, socio-emotional skills, resilience and adaptability.
5. Empowering Teachers and School Leaders
  • Teacher Capacity Building: Professional development supported by District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs).
  • Financial Support: Up to ₹3 lakh per DIET for capacity-building programmes and up to ₹2,500 per teacher for training.
  • Leadership Development: Principals trained in educational leadership, school management and competency-based pedagogical planning.
  • Continuous Professional Development: Training in Holistic Progress Card, school safety, mental health, counselling and ICT integration.

Significance

  • Represents a shift from infrastructure-centric school development towards holistic, inclusive and future-ready education.
  • Creates a scalable model for transforming India's school education system.
  • Improves learning outcomes and promotes innovation through exemplar institutions.

Related Constitutional and Policy Provisions

  • Article 21A: Right to free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 years (86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002).
  • Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Legal framework for elementary education.
  • NEP 2020: Guiding framework for PM SHRI; aligned with SDG-4 (Quality Education).

Conclusion

The PM SHRI Scheme embodies the operationalisation of NEP 2020 at the school level, moving beyond infrastructure to holistic, inclusive and future-ready education, and creating a replicable model for systemic transformation of school education in India.