PM SHRI Schools
🧭 Introduction: Why Was This Scheme Needed?
Imagine an India where every district proudly showcases at least one school that reflects the ideal vision of education—vibrant classrooms, skilled teachers, joyful learning, digital tools, environmental awareness, and most importantly, values-based development.
This isn’t a utopia—it’s the vision behind PM SHRI Schools.
Launched in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this scheme aims to transform more than 14,500 existing schools into model institutions of learning. Think of them as lighthouse schools that will guide others towards excellence.
🔍 Quick Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Name | PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India) |
| Type | Centrally Sponsored Scheme |
| Tenure | 2022–23 to 2026–27 (5 years) |
| Beneficiaries | Over 20 lakh students expected to benefit directly |
| Objective | Develop 14,500+ schools to showcase all NEP 2020 components |
🎯 Core Objective
To establish and elevate schools that embody the spirit of NEP 2020 — ensuring:
- Equitable, inclusive, and joyful education
- 21st-century skills for holistic personality development
- Demonstration of best practices in pedagogy, assessment, and administration
These schools will not only be upgraded but also act as mentor institutions, guiding nearby schools in replicating success.
🏫 Three-Stage Selection Process: Ensuring Transparency and Quality
PM SHRI schools are not randomly chosen. The selection involves a rigorous, data-driven approach using a three-stage challenge mode:
Stage 1: MoU Signing
- Who: State/UT governments
- What: Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre
- Why: To confirm commitment toward quality reforms and adherence to PM SHRI goals
Stage 2: Eligibility Pool
- Schools are shortlisted using data from UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education)
- Must meet minimum quality benchmarks (infrastructure, learning outcomes, governance)
Stage 3: Challenge Method
- Eligible schools apply voluntarily through a dedicated online portal
- Selection is performance-based using pre-defined, transparent criteria
✨ Salient Features of PM SHRI Schools
1. NEP-Aligned Pedagogy
- Emphasis on experiential learning, not rote memorization
- Focus on competency-based assessment, conceptual clarity, and real-life application
2. Green & Sustainable Campuses
- Adoption of eco-friendly practices:
- Solar panels
- Rainwater harvesting
- Waste management
- Plastic-free initiatives
3. Modern Infrastructure
- Smart classrooms, digital libraries, science and vocational labs, sports facilities
- Age-appropriate furniture, ‘Jadui Pitara’ learning kits, and outdoor play material
4. Skill Development & Employability
- Integration of:
- Vocational training
- Entrepreneurship modules
- Internships with local industries
- Collaboration with Sector Skill Councils
5. Inclusivity & Equity
- Safe infrastructure for girls and Children With Special Needs (CWSN)
- Encouragement of mother tongue/local language as the medium of instruction
🧑🏫 Mentorship & Leadership Model
PM SHRI schools are not just recipients—they are change-makers. They will:
- Mentor nearby schools in academic and infrastructural excellence
- Create a ripple effect to uplift entire school clusters
📊 Monitoring and Evaluation
- Use of School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) for ongoing evaluations
- Geo-tagging of schools for location-based tracking and progress monitoring
- Strong community participation through convergence with:
- Panchayati Raj Institutions
- Urban Local Bodies
- Local community groups
⚙️ Implementation Strategy
| Implementing Bodies | Role |
| Samagra Shiksha | Primary platform for delivery |
| Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) | Technical support and quality standards |
| Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) | Replication of best practices |
All implementation efforts are aligned to the goals of NEP 2020, and progress is rigorously monitored by both central and state agencies.
🧩 Conclusion: PM SHRI in the Larger UPSC Perspective
PM SHRI isn’t just an infrastructure project—it’s a philosophy of education in action. It touches upon multiple themes crucial for UPSC aspirants:
- Governance and center–state coordination
- Social inclusion and equity in education
- Digital India, Skilling, and Sustainable development
- NEP 2020 implementation
As a UPSC aspirant, you can quote PM SHRI in:
- GS Paper II (Governance, Education Policy)
- Essay Paper (Human Capital, Inclusive Development)
- Interview (current reforms in school education)