New Delhi, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : The Prime Minister‘s School for Rising India (PM Shri) initiative, launched on September 7, 2022, aims to develop over 14,500 model schools in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. With a total financial allocation of ₹27,360 crores for the period from 2022-23 to 2026-27, the program focuses on equipping students with 21st-century skills while enhancing infrastructure, pedagogy, inclusivity, and sustainability.
As of July 2026, approximately 90% of the target has been achieved, with 13,092 schools selected across 36 states and Union Territories. This includes Central Schools, Navodaya Schools, and institutions under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The selection process follows a three-stage “Challenge Mode” procedure based on predetermined quality standards. The PM Shri schools are envisioned as guiding institutions for nearby schools, representing a significant shift towards a holistic, equitable, and future-ready education system rather than merely focusing on infrastructure development.
India’s education system is undergoing a substantial transformation, emphasizing quality, equity, inclusivity, and future-oriented teaching. Currently, over 24.69 million students are enrolled in 1.47 million schools. The focus is now on improving learning outcomes and creating an enabling environment that supports the overall development of every student. The NEP 2020 provides a comprehensive framework for this change, while the PM Shri initiative implements its vision at the school level, translating policy objectives into institutional practices.
The goal of the PM Shri scheme is to enhance existing schools and develop them into exemplary institutions that effectively implement the NEP 2020. With a total cost of ₹27,360 crores, the initiative aims to strengthen over 14,500 existing schools as model institutions. These schools are designed to provide a safe, stimulating, and welcoming environment for learning, featuring adequate facilities, appropriate teaching resources, and diverse learning experiences.
By July 2026, 13,092 schools have been designated as PM Shri schools, comprising nearly 90% of the targeted goal. This initiative is expected to directly benefit over 2 million students. The PM Shri scheme will be implemented over five years, from 2022-23 to 2026-27, with a total budget of ₹27,360 crores, of which the central government’s share is ₹18,128 crores. The approved expenditure by the Project Approval Board (PAB) has increased from ₹2,520 crores in 2023-24 to ₹5,224 crores in 2026-27, marking a rise of approximately 107%, indicating a growing investment in strengthening PM Shri schools.
Designed as model institutions, PM Shri schools showcase the key principles of the NEP 2020 through quality education, modern infrastructure, inclusive practices, and sustainable development. The initiative has established a vast national network of 13,092 selected schools, including institutions under the Central School Organization, Navodaya School Committee, and NCERT. It has achieved extensive geographical reach, covering 725 districts and 8,340 blocks or urban local bodies, creating a broad institutional and regional presence nationwide.
Among the 13,092 selected schools are 1,305 primary schools, 3,102 upper primary schools, 3,141 secondary schools, and 5,544 higher secondary schools. This network also includes 80 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), 913 Central Schools, 620 Navodaya Schools, and 4 NCERT schools. The scope and diversity of this network reflect the expanding reach of PM Shri schools across the country.
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