Government approves establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas across India

The Central Government has approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across India, aiming to expand quality education opportunities for children of Central Government employees and students in underserved regions. This major decision, announced by the Ministry of Education, underscores the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the school network under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and ensuring educational inclusivity.

The total financial requirement for setting up these new institutions is estimated at ₹5862.55 crore. Out of this, ₹2585.52 crore will be used for capital expenditure such as land acquisition, building construction, and infrastructure setup, while ₹3277.03 crore will cover operational costs. The fund allocation will span nine years starting from 2026–27, reflecting a structured and long-term approach to education development across the country.

Focus on underserved and priority regions

Out of the 57 newly approved schools, 20 KVs are planned in districts that currently do not have any Kendriya Vidyalaya, even though they host a large number of Central Government employees. These new schools are expected to ease the schooling challenges faced by families of government staff posted in such regions.

In addition, the expansion plan emphasizes inclusivity and balanced regional development. Fourteen new KVs will be established in Aspirational districts, which are identified by NITI Aayog for focused socio-economic improvement. Four KVs will be set up in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts, while five will be built in North Eastern Region (NER) and hilly areas to ensure educational opportunities in geographically difficult locations.

The Ministry highlighted that this approval follows the sanction of 85 new KVs in December 2024, continuing the expansion momentum. The states that have not been covered since March 2019 were given priority in this latest round of approvals.

According to the official release, “Opening of new Kendriya Vidyalayas is a continuous process. The Ministry and KVS regularly receive proposals from various sponsoring authorities, including Central Government Ministries, Departments, and State/UT administrations. These proposals are evaluated and sanctioned based on the educational needs and feasibility of the locations proposed.”

The selection of sites for the new KVs will be finalized after assessing factors such as the availability of land, number of Central Government employees in the area, and local infrastructure support.

New schools to create jobs and strengthen foundational learning

The addition of 57 new KVs is expected to significantly enhance both employment and educational quality. Each Kendriya Vidyalaya provides direct employment to around 81 people, including teaching and non-teaching staff. Therefore, the establishment of these 57 schools will create approximately 4,617 direct permanent jobs. Additional temporary jobs will also be generated during the construction phase and through associated services like transportation, maintenance, and supply of materials.

The new schools are designed to accommodate 86,640 students, ensuring a broader reach and providing affordable, quality education to families living in remote or underserved areas. Importantly, the newly sanctioned schools will also incorporate Bal Vatikas, marking a key step toward implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. For the first time, all 57 Kendriya Vidyalayas will include a foundational learning stage for children aged three to six years, focusing on early childhood care and education.

Currently, India has 1,288 operational Kendriya Vidyalayas, including three located abroad—in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran—to cater to the children of Indian officials and diplomats stationed overseas. Out of these, 913 schools have already been designated as PM SHRI Schools, underlining the government’s effort to modernize and align the education system with the NEP’s vision of holistic learning and skill development.

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The establishment of new KVs will help bridge educational disparities by extending high-quality learning environments to less-developed districts. These institutions are known for their consistent academic standards, experienced teachers, and uniform syllabus aligned with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Furthermore, the move is expected to boost the morale of Central Government employees, especially those working in remote areas, as their children will now have access to standardized education facilities. The Ministry has emphasized that such initiatives are not just infrastructural developments but also part of a broader national mission to ensure equitable access to education.

The government’s long-term plan for Kendriya Vidyalayas aims to meet the growing demand for quality education while supporting the vision of an inclusive, knowledge-based society. With 57 more schools on the way, thousands of students across India will soon benefit from better educational facilities, skilled teachers, and improved access to early learning.

In essence, this initiative reaffirms the Centre’s focus on expanding the reach of Kendriya Vidyalayas to new regions, creating more educational opportunities, and promoting holistic development. It represents another significant step toward realizing the goals of the National Education Policy and the government’s vision of accessible and equitable education for all.