The Ministry of Education has outlined progress on the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme, launched in September 2022 to transform school education across the country. The scheme aims to develop over 14,500 exemplar schools that embody the principles of the National Education Policy 2020. As of July 2026, nearly 13,092 schools have been selected, reaching approximately 90% of the overall target.
Key Numbers and Structure
The scheme operates over five years, from 2022–23 to 2026–27, with a total outlay of ₹27,360 crore. The central government’s share stands at ₹18,128 crore. The central allocation has grown significantly, increasing from ₹2,520 crore in 2023–24 to ₹5,224 crore in 2026–27, reflecting a 107% rise in investment.
Selected schools span 36 States and Union Territories across 725 districts and 8,340 blocks. The network includes 1,305 primary schools, 3,102 upper primary schools, 3,141 secondary schools, and 5,544 higher secondary schools. Additionally, 80 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, 913 Kendriya Vidyalaya schools, 620 Navodaya Vidyalaya schools, and 4 NCERT schools participate in the initiative. The scheme is expected to benefit over 20 lakh students directly.
Schools are selected through a three-stage process based on defined quality benchmarks. Minimum standards include a pucca building, barrier-free access, separate toilets, drinking water, electricity, and adequate library or sports facilities. Schools in urban areas must score at least 70 percent in the challenge-based assessment, while rural schools require a minimum of 60 percent.
Focus Areas
PM SHRI schools emphasise six key pillars: inclusive learning, mentorship to neighbouring schools, environmentally sustainable practices, experiential learning, improved learning outcomes, and preparation of students with 21st-century skills. The scheme promotes teaching in mother tongues and regional languages, particularly in foundational years. It also integrates technology through smart classrooms, digital platforms like DIKSHA, and STEM-based programmes.
Teacher development receives dedicated support, with up to ₹3 lakh per District Institute of Education and Training for capacity-building and ₹2,500 per teacher for subject-specific and leadership training.
What this means for you
If your child studies in a PM SHRI school, you can expect improved infrastructure, teaching methods focused on practical skills, and exposure to digital learning tools. The scheme positions these schools as regional models, meaning neighbouring schools may gradually adopt similar practices. Parents in rural and underserved areas may see expanded access to quality education as the initiative emphasises equity and multilingual instruction.