The PM SHRI scheme has transformed the education landscape; other schools are also learning from this model..

The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme has completed four years since its inception. Launched on September 7, 2022, in alignment with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the scheme aims to develop over 14,500 model (exemplary) schools across the country. While work towards this goal is ongoing, the broader reality is that these 14,500 PM SHRI schools are intended to drive comprehensive transformation in the nation's education system—a process that has already begun. For instance, these PM SHRI schools are proving—and will continue to prove—beneficial to other schools across the country.

Let us explore the journey of the PM SHRI scheme as it marks its fourth anniversary. We will understand why these schools are considered pivotal to transforming the country's school education system and learn how schools are selected for the scheme.

PM SHRI Scheme: 90% of the Target Achieved in Four Years
The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education launched the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme on September 7, 2022. A total outlay of ₹27,360 crore has been allocated for the scheme for the period spanning the academic years 2022-23 to 2026-27. By July 2026, 13,092 schools had been selected under the scheme, representing approximately 90% of the target. These schools have been selected from 36 states and Union Territories. The scheme encompasses Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and schools under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), all of which are now designated as PM SHRI schools. More than 20 lakh students are currently studying in these schools. The selected schools comprise 1,305 primary schools, 3,102 upper primary schools, 3,141 secondary schools, and 5,544 higher secondary schools.

Find out how many PM SHRI schools are in each state.

**Objective of the PM SHRI Scheme**
There are 14.71 lakh schools in India, with over 24.69 crore students enrolled. Consequently, the focus of India's education system has shifted towards improving learning outcomes and creating an enabling environment that fosters the holistic development of every student. The NEP 2020 provides a comprehensive framework for this transformation; the PM SHRI scheme has been launched in alignment with the vision of the NEP 2020.

The scheme aims to upgrade existing schools and develop them into exemplary institutions that demonstrate the effective implementation of the NEP 2020. These schools are envisioned to provide a safe, stimulating, and welcoming learning environment, featuring robust infrastructure, appropriate teaching resources, and diverse learning experiences.

**PM SHRI Schools: Aiding Other Schools**
The PM SHRI scheme is not limited to merely strengthening the selected schools. In fact, the scheme aims to develop 'PM SHRI' schools as models for their respective localities, capable of assisting other schools. For instance, PM SHRI schools share their best practices and provide guidance, support, collaboration, and clustering assistance to nearby schools. The primary objective is to create a widespread impact, enabling an increasing number of schools to evolve towards these standards of excellence (model standards) over time.

**How ​​PM SHRI Schools Are Transforming School Education**
The PM SHRI scheme—specifically the PM SHRI schools—is viewed as an initiative that is transforming school education in the country. Fundamentally, the scheme aims to promote lifelong learning and equip students with the mindset and capability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Furthermore, PM SHRI schools promote experiential learning through initiatives such as 'bag-free days,' internships with local artisans, the study of local arts, crafts, and traditions, the organization of significant cultural events, and the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices.

At the same time, emphasis is placed on equity, inclusion, multilingual education, technology-driven teaching, the holistic development of students, and the empowerment of teachers and school leadership within PM SHRI schools.

**Selection Process for Schools under the PM SHRI Scheme**
Schools are selected for the PM SHRI scheme through a 'challenge mode,' wherein they compete to become exemplary model schools. This selection takes place through a time-bound, three-stage process, outlined below. Let us examine each stage in detail.

**Stage 1: Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):** States and Union Territories sign an MoU with the Central Government. In this agreement, they articulate their commitment to providing necessary support and enabling selected schools to meet the quality standards prescribed for PM SHRI schools.

Step 2: Identification of eligible schools: A pool of schools eligible for selection as PM SHRI schools is identified based on prescribed minimum criteria and relevant indicators available through U-DISE+ data.

Step 3: Selection through the challenge method: Eligible schools identified in Step 2 participate in a challenge-based selection process to demonstrate compliance with the specified criteria. Schools compete against each other by substantiating their fulfillment of requirements under the prescribed conditions.

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