PM SHRI Schools in India: Objectives, Features and Importance

What Are PM SHRI Schools?

PM SHRI stands for Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India. It is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to strengthen selected existing schools and develop them as model institutions that demonstrate the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The scheme was launched on September 7, 2022. According to a Press Information Bureau update published in September 2026, its approved outlay is ₹27,360 crore for the period 2022–23 to 2026–27. The government aims to strengthen more than 14,500 existing schools under the initiative.

The central idea is to demonstrate how improved infrastructure, teaching practices, inclusion and student-centred learning can work together in schools.

What Are the Main Objectives?

Improve the learning environment: Schools need safe buildings, suitable classrooms, learning resources and facilities that support regular attendance and effective teaching.

Support NEP 2020: PM SHRI Schools are intended to demonstrate educational approaches aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, including competency-based learning and broader student development.

Promote inclusion: School environments should support students with different needs and backgrounds, including children with disabilities.

Encourage practical learning: Students can benefit from activities that help them apply knowledge, ask questions, solve problems and connect classroom concepts with everyday life.

Promote sustainability: Environmental awareness and suitable sustainable practices can help students understand responsible resource use.

What Features Can PM SHRI Schools Have?

The scheme focuses on strengthening existing schools rather than creating an entirely separate school system. Depending on approved plans and local implementation, improvements can involve classrooms, laboratories, libraries, technology-enabled learning, sports facilities and inclusive infrastructure.

Teaching practices are also important. A school may have modern equipment, but students still need trained teachers, suitable lesson plans and opportunities to participate actively.

Experiential learning can include experiments, projects, group activities, art, sports and problem-solving exercises. Such approaches can help students connect theoretical concepts with real situations.

The precise facilities and interventions available at an individual PM SHRI school can vary. Parents should check with their school or the relevant education department rather than assuming every selected school offers identical resources.

How Many Schools Have Been Selected?

A government update published by the Press Information Bureau on September 9, 2026, reported that 13,092 schools had been selected as PM SHRI Schools as of July 2026, representing around 90% of the intended target. The same update said the scheme was expected to benefit more than 20 lakh students directly.

These figures describe the programme’s reported selection and intended reach. They should not be interpreted as proof that every planned improvement has already been completed in every school.

How Could PM SHRI Benefit Students?

Students may benefit from improved learning environments, access to suitable resources and teaching that encourages participation and practical understanding.

Teachers may gain opportunities to strengthen classroom methods, while schools can serve as examples of how educational reforms are implemented in practice.

Families can ask school authorities which facilities and programmes are available, how learning progress is monitored and how parents can participate in school development.

What Challenges Matter?

Infrastructure improvements alone cannot guarantee better learning outcomes. Schools also need qualified teachers, ongoing professional development, appropriate maintenance and effective leadership.

Differences in local conditions can influence implementation. Rural and remote schools may face distinct challenges relating to connectivity, staffing or access to specialised resources.

Regular monitoring is therefore important to determine whether the scheme is improving students’ educational experiences.

Conclusion

PM SHRI Schools aim to demonstrate how school infrastructure, inclusive education and improved teaching practices can support the objectives of NEP 2020.

The programme’s long-term value will depend on whether these improvements translate into stronger learning, greater participation and better educational opportunities for students.