PM SHRI: Every School, A Model School
Why in News?
Recently, the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme has been in the news for its progress in transforming existing schools into model schools aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
As of July 2026, 13,092 schools have been selected across 36 states/UTs, including schools under Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and NCERT. This covers around 90% of the target of over 14,500 schools under the scheme.
Key Facts About PM SHRI?
India is focusing on quality, equity, and inclusive school education. NEP 2020 provides the roadmap, and PM SHRI is the scheme that brings this vision to the ground level.
Launch and Objective:
PM SHRI - Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India - was launched on 7th September 2022. It is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. Its aim is to upgrade existing schools and make them model schools that show how NEP 2020 can be implemented effectively.
Scale and Funding:
The target is to strengthen more than 14,500 existing schools run by the Central Government, State/UT Governments, local bodies, KVS, and NVS. The scheme runs for 5 years, from 2022-23 to 2026-27, with a central share of Rs 18,128 crore. The budget has almost doubled—from Rs 2,520 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 5,224 crore in 2026-27, showing about 107% growth.
Vision and Approach:
PM SHRI schools are meant to be safe, inclusive, and joyful places for learning, with good infrastructure and learning resources. They will also work as mentor schools for nearby schools by sharing best practices.
Strategic Focus of PM SHRI:
Model Schools for Regional Transformation: PM SHRI schools will act as examples of NEP 2020 in action and will help neighboring schools through training, sharing, and collaboration, creating a larger impact.
Holistic Learning Approach: The focus is on lifelong learning and making students responsible, productive, and engaged citizens through student-centered education.
NEP 2020 Implementation: These schools showcase the core ideas of NEP 2020—equitable, inclusive, and joyful learning, along with the development of 21st-century skills.
How Do PM SHRI Schools Transform School Education?
Learning Designed Around the Child
NEP-Based Curriculum: PM SHRI schools follow CBSE or state curriculum aligned with NCF and the 5+3+3+4 structure of NEP 2020.
Local Adaptation: States/UTs can adapt the curriculum to local needs while following NEP principles and constitutional values.
Learning by Doing: Focus on experiential learning through bagless days, internships with local artisans, learning local art and craft, cultural events, and preservation of local knowledge.
Equity, Inclusion, and Multilingual Learning
Inclusive Education: Ensures quality education for all, irrespective of background, language, or learning ability.
Mother Tongue Focus: Encourages teaching in the mother tongue/local language, especially in early classes, for better understanding.
Language Support: As per UDISE+ 2025-26, PM SHRI schools have 6,102 Sanskrit, 1,994 Urdu, and 9,152 regional language teachers.
Foundational Learning: Community support and local language teaching help in building strong foundational literacy and numeracy.
Technology-Enabled Learning
Digital Infrastructure: Smart classrooms, ICT labs, internet, and digital platforms for interactive learning.
Skill Building: Technology helps develop digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Digital Resources: Platforms like DIKSHA provide e-content for both teachers and students.
Holistic Student Development
Beyond Books: Sports, arts, extracurriculars, and life skills are integrated with academics for all-round development.
Future-Ready Skills: Focus on creativity, leadership, emotional strength, resilience, and adaptability.
Life Skills: Prepares students for future challenges in education, career, and social life.
Empowering Teachers and School Leaders
Teacher Training: Regular professional development with support from DIETs.
Financial Support: Up to Rs 3 lakh per DIET for training and up to Rs 2,500 per teacher for training of subject teachers, principals, special educators, and master trainers.
Leadership Training: Principals are trained in school management and competency-based planning.
Continuous Development: Training on Holistic Progress Card, school safety, mental health, counselling, and ICT use.
A Growing National Network
Wide Coverage: 13,092 schools selected across states/UTs, including KVS, NVS, and NCERT schools.
Large Reach: Covers 725 districts and 8,340 blocks/ULBs, creating a strong national network to implement NEP 2020.
Conclusion
PM SHRI is not just about upgrading buildings; it is about upgrading the whole learning experience. By focusing on child-centered learning, mother tongue, technology, holistic development, and strong teacher training, it brings NEP 2020 to life on the ground.
With 13,092 schools already selected across 725 districts, these schools are becoming model institutions that inspire and mentor neighboring schools. In the long run, PM SHRI can create a multiplier effect, improving quality, equity, and inclusion in school education and preparing students as future-ready, responsible citizens.
