PM SHRI Scheme Implementation Progress and Framework

The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme, launched on 7 September 2022, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education with a total project cost of ₹27,360 crore across the implementation period from 2022–23 to 2026–27. The scheme aims to develop over 14,500 existing schools as exemplar institutions aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

As of July 2026, the scheme has selected 13,092 schools across 36 States and Union Territories, representing approximately 90% of the target. This selection includes schools under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 20 lakh students.

Financial Allocation and Distribution

The scheme has a Central share of ₹18,128 crore from the total outlay. The central share of approved Project Approval Board (PAB) outlay increased from ₹2,520 crore in 2023–24 to ₹5,224 crore in 2026–27, marking a 107% increase reflecting the growing scale of investment. The geographical coverage extends to 725 districts and 8,340 blocks/ULBs across the country.

School Composition and Selection Process

Among the 13,092 selected schools, the breakdown includes 1,305 primary schools, 3,102 upper primary schools, 3,141 secondary schools, and 5,544 higher secondary schools. The network further includes 80 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), 913 KVS schools, 620 NVS schools, and 4 NCERT schools.

Selection is conducted through a three-stage Challenge Mode process: Stage 1 involves States/UTs signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre; Stage 2 identifies eligible schools based on minimum benchmarks using UDISE+ data; Stage 3 involves challenge-based selection where urban schools must secure a minimum score of 70% and rural schools 60% across parameters including infrastructure, learning outcomes, pedagogy, PM POSHAN, vocational education, green initiatives, and stakeholder commitment. Final selection is made by an Expert Committee headed by the Secretary (SE&L) at the Ministry of Education.

Educational Framework and Quality Dimensions

PM SHRI schools follow either CBSE or relevant State/UT syllabus according to their affiliation, adhering to the National Curriculum Framework or State Curriculum Framework developed under the 5+3+3+4 structure of NEP 2020. The scheme focuses on six major pillars derived from NEP 2020, emphasizing inclusive learning, mentorship, green schools, experiential learning, learning outcomes, quality infrastructure, future-ready skills, and quality assessment through the School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF).

Infrastructure and Resource Deployment

The scheme promotes technology integration with ICT facilities, smart classrooms, internet connectivity, and digital learning platforms like DIKSHA. As per UDISE+ 2025–26 data, PM SHRI schools employ 6,102 Sanskrit teachers, 1,994 Urdu teachers, and 9,152 regional language teachers, supporting multilingual education with emphasis on mother tongue/local language instruction in early grades.

Teacher Development and Capacity Building

Financial assistance of up to ₹3 lakh per District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) is provided for capacity-building programs, while support of up to ₹2,500 per teacher is extended for training subject teachers, principals, special educators, ICT teachers, and master trainers. Training covers Holistic Progress Card implementation, school safety, mental health, first-level counselling, and ICT integration.

Strategic Objectives and Impact

PM SHRI schools are envisioned as mentor institutions that demonstrate and disseminate innovative educational practices to neighbouring schools, creating a ripple effect for broader systemic improvements. The scheme represents a paradigm shift from infrastructure-centric development to holistic, inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education focused on developing engaged, productive citizens equipped with 21st-century skills.