Kashmir, October 2, 2025 – In a landmark decision aimed at democratising access to quality education, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the green light to the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)across 17 states and Union Territories (UTs), with a special focus on underserved areas, aspirational districts, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected regions, and hilly terrains. This initiative, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Hon’ble PM, underscores the NDA government’s unwavering commitment to bridging educational gaps and fulfilling the aspirations of millions in remote and challenging geographies.The new Kendriya Vidyalayas will be strategically located in states including Telangana, Bihar (with 19 schools, the highest allocation), Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, among others such as Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and the Northeast. Of these, 20 KVs will be set up in districts that currently lack any KV, ensuring balanced regional development and inclusivity. The total financial outlay for this project stands at Rs 5,862.55 crore over nine years, commencing from the financial year 2026-27, and is expected to benefit over 86,640 students while generating substantial employment opportunities for educators and support staff.”Kendriya Vidyalayas have long been synonymous with excellence in affordable education, innovative pedagogy, and holistic development,” said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. “This expansion will not only cater to the wards of transferable Central Government employees but also extend world-class learning to 21st century education standards in the most remote corners of India.”Key Highlights of the Initiative
- Geographical Focus: Prioritizing aspirational districts, LWE areas, hilly regions, and zones with high concentrations of Central Government personnel to promote national integration and equitable growth.
- NEP 2020 Alignment: The new schools will incorporate Balvatikas (pre-primary classes for children aged 3-6), positioning them as model institutions under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Currently, 913 existing KVs are already designated as PM SHRI Schools, exemplifying modern infrastructure and strong academic outcomes.
- Current KV Network: As of June 2025, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) operates 1,288 schools – including three abroad in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran – enrolling approximately 13.62 lakh students. These institutions consistently rank among the top performers in CBSE board examinations.
- Broader Impact: Building on the sanction of 85 KVs in December 2024, this move reinforces the government’s vision for quality education in underrepresented states, fostering skill development and employability in line with India’s developmental goals.
Prime Minister Modi hailed the decision on social media, stating: “A gift of world-class education! The establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas has been approved by the Cabinet. It is gladdening that KVs will include Balvatikas, nurturing children from the foundational stage. Several students will benefit, alongside the creation of many jobs. This is in line with our commitment to inclusive growth, particularly in aspirational districts, the Northeast, and other remote areas.”Education experts view this as a pivotal step toward achieving the NEP’s target of universal access to high-quality schooling. “By anchoring growth in the East and ensuring representation across North, South, and West, these new KVs will play a crucial role in social mobility and economic empowerment,” noted a senior policy analyst.The rollout is slated to begin preparations immediately, with full operationalization targeted for the coming academic years. This development reaffirms the NDA’s dedication to transforming India’s education landscape, making affordable, quality education a reality for every child, regardless of location.
