The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across the country, giving a major boost to access and equity in school education. With this expansion, the government aims to address the rising demand from Central Government employees for reliable, high-quality schooling for their children, while also extending opportunities to underserved regions.
Currently, 1,288 Kendriya Vidyalayas are operational across India, including three overseas branches in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran, together serving around 13.62 lakh students. Known for their high academic standards, strong infrastructure, and experienced faculty, KVs remain among the most sought-after schools in the country.
New Features and Budget
The newly approved schools will be developed under the Civil Sector, at an estimated cost of Rs 5,862.55 crore spread over nine years starting in 2026–27. Out of this, Rs 2,585.52 crore will be capital expenses for construction and infrastructure, while Rs 3,277.03 crore will go toward recurring operational costs.
For the first time, the schools will also introduce Balvatikas, covering three years of foundational pre-primary education. This inclusion aligns directly with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes early childhood care and education as the foundation of lifelong learning. With this, Kendriya Vidyalayas will evolve into model institutions implementing NEP’s vision from the very start of schooling. The 57 new KVs are not just an expansion in numbers but are strategically located to meet specific educational gaps:
- 20 schools in districts with no existing KV, despite significant Central Government presence.
- 14 schools in Aspirational Districts, aiming to uplift regions with lagging development indicators.
- 4 schools in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, extending education as a tool for stability.
- 5 schools in the North Eastern states and hilly regions, where access has historically been limited.
By addressing geographic and social imbalances, the expansion aims to make high-quality education accessible to students who might otherwise be left behind.
Impact on Students and Jobs
The newly sanctioned institutions will add capacity for around 86,640 students, easing the intense competition for admission at entry levels. Each KV will employ about 81 staff members, which translates to 4,617 permanent teaching and non-teaching jobs across the 57 schools. In addition, construction and related activities will create thousands of temporary employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers.
Beyond numbers, the expansion represents an opportunity to provide holistic, modern education to children in diverse regions of the country, including some of its most underserved districts.
Policy Continuity and Demand
This move builds on the momentum of December 2024, when the Cabinet sanctioned 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas. Together, the back-to-back expansions reflect the government’s sustained commitment to widening the KV network and responding to mounting demand from families.
Each year, applications for KV admissions far exceed available seats, highlighting the reputation of these schools as among the best in the public system. Many KVs have also been selected as PM SHRI schools, serving as benchmarks for implementing NEP 2020 reforms and showcasing best practices for others to follow.
The approval of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas is more than just an infrastructure announcement; it is a reaffirmation of India’s investment in equitable, quality education. By strategically placing these schools in underserved regions and equipping them with early childhood education, the government is positioning KVs as exemplars of the NEP’s vision.
If implemented effectively, this expansion could strengthen India’s schooling ecosystem, reduce admission pressure, and ensure that the children of government employees—and many others—gain access to modern, holistic, and inclusive education.
Also Read: https://www.thehindu.com/education/mandatory-publications-no-interviews-aicte-unveils-first-ever-doctoral-guidelines-for-engineering-and-tech/article70113614.ece#google_vignette
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