PM SHRI Scheme 2026: 13,092 Schools Selected as Model Institutions, Over 20 Lakh Students Expected to Benefit
India's PM SHRI school initiative has now selected 13,092 schools across 36 States and Union Territories, representing around 90% of the scheme's target of more than 14,500 exemplar schools. The latest official September 2026 update says more than 20 lakh students are expected to benefit directly from the initiative, which is designed to demonstrate National Education Policy 2020 reforms through upgraded infrastructure, competency-based learning, inclusive education, technology, vocational exposure, sustainability and modern school leadership.
The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India scheme, known as PM SHRI, was launched in September 2022 and has a total approved outlay of â‚ą27,360 crore for the period from 2022-23 to 2026-27.
PM SHRI Scheme 2026: Key Numbers
| Indicator | Latest Position |
| Full Name | PM Schools for Rising India |
| Launch | September 2022 |
| Target | More than 14,500 schools |
| Schools Selected | 13,092 |
| Share of Target | About 90% |
| States/UTs Covered | 36 |
| Expected Direct Beneficiaries | More than 20 lakh students |
| Total Scheme Outlay | â‚ą27,360 crore |
| Implementation Period | 2022-23 to 2026-27 |
The official PM SHRI portal and September 2026 government backgrounder confirm the target, implementation period and expected beneficiary count.
What Is PM SHRI?
PM SHRI is a centrally sponsored school-education scheme intended to strengthen selected existing government schools and develop them into exemplar institutions.
The objective is not simply to build new schools.
Instead, selected existing schools are upgraded so that they can demonstrate the principles of NEP 2020.
PM SHRI Is Intended to Create Demonstration Schools
These schools are expected to:
- Model improved teaching practices
- Use modern infrastructure
- Support inclusive education
- Adopt technology
- Promote sustainability
- Mentor neighbouring schools
Why the Scheme Is Larger Than 13,092 Schools
The direct network currently includes 13,092 selected institutions.
But PM SHRI schools are also expected to mentor and support neighbouring schools, creating a wider demonstration effect.
Breakdown by School Level
| School Type | Number Selected |
| Primary | 1,305 |
| Upper Primary | 3,102 |
| Secondary | 3,141 |
| Higher Secondary | 5,544 |
| Total | 13,092 |
This is the latest official composition reported in September 2026.
The Network Includes KVS, NVS, KGBV and NCERT Schools
The 13,092-school network includes:
- 80 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas
- 913 Kendriya Vidyalayas
- 620 Navodaya Vidyalayas
- 4 NCERT schools
alongside State and Union Territory government schools.
More Than 20 Lakh Students Expected to Benefit
The current official PM SHRI portal states that more than 20 lakh students are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the scheme.
PM SHRI Is Built Around NEP 2020
The schools are designed to demonstrate practical implementation of the National Education Policy.
That includes changes to:
- Pedagogy
- Assessment
- Curriculum
- Skills
- Technology
- Inclusion
The 5+3+3+4 Structure Matters
The PM SHRI framework is intended to align with the curricular structure developed under NEP 2020.
The structure moves away from the older 10+2 framing and organises learning into:
| Stage | Years |
| Foundational | 5 |
| Preparatory | 3 |
| Middle | 3 |
| Secondary | 4 |
The official implementation guidance says PM SHRI curriculum should follow the NCF/SCF structure developed around 5+3+3+4.
Pedagogy Is Intended to Be Experiential
The original scheme design specifies learning approaches that are:
- Experiential
- Holistic
- Integrated
- Inquiry-driven
- Discovery-oriented
- Learner-centred
- Discussion-based
- Flexible
Foundational learning can also include play- and toy-based approaches.
Competency-Based Learning Is Central
Students should be evaluated on whether they understand and can apply concepts, not merely reproduce memorised text.
What Is Competency-Based Assessment?
A traditional question might ask:
“Define water conservation.”
A competency-focused question might present a real water-use problem and ask the student to suggest an appropriate conservation strategy.
PM SHRI Schools Are Also Infrastructure Projects
The initiative supports facilities including:
- Science laboratories
- Libraries
- ICT facilities
- Vocational laboratories
- Smart classrooms
- Sports facilities
- Art rooms
The original Cabinet approval envisioned a saturation approach for modern school facilities.
Green Schools Are a Major Theme
PM SHRI schools are designed to promote sustainability through measures such as:
- Water conservation
- Waste recycling
- Energy-efficient infrastructure
- Environmentally responsible practices
The scheme also seeks to integrate sustainable living into learning.
What Makes a School Eligible?
Selection is not automatic.
Schools need to meet defined benchmarks.
Minimum Infrastructure Standards Include
- Pucca building
- Barrier-free access
- Safety measures
- Separate toilets
- Drinking water
- Hand-washing facilities
- Electricity
- Library or sports facilities
Government's September 2026 backgrounder confirms these as part of the selection framework.
How Are PM SHRI Schools Selected?
The scheme uses a three-stage Challenge Mode.
Stage 1: State or UT Agreement
The State or Union Territory enters into an MoU with the Centre regarding implementation commitments.
Stage 2: Eligible Schools Are Identified
A pool is created using minimum benchmarks and UDISE+ indicators.
Stage 3: Challenge-Based Selection
Eligible schools compete against specified criteria.
Compliance is physically verified before final selection.
Urban and Rural Schools Have Different Challenge Thresholds
The current official backgrounder states:
- Urban schools need at least 70% under the challenge method
- Rural schools need at least 60%
The assessment includes infrastructure, pedagogy, learning outcomes, PM POSHAN, vocational education, green initiatives and stakeholder commitment.
Schools Are Physically Verified
Selection is not based only on a self-reported online application.
States, UTs, KVS or NVS authorities verify fulfillment of the required conditions.
An Expert Committee Makes the Final Selection
An expert committee headed by the Secretary of School Education and Literacy at the Ministry of Education is responsible for final selection.
PM SHRI Schools by State: Some of the Largest Networks
| State | Selected PM SHRI Schools |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,888 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 982 |
| Maharashtra | 946 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 944 |
| Bihar | 904 |
| Odisha | 840 |
| Telangana | 832 |
| Rajasthan | 749 |
| Karnataka | 660 |
| Gujarat | 529 |
The figures come from the State/UT-wise government list published in July 2026 using UDISE+ 2025-26 data.
Every State Has a Different Scale
Other official figures include:
- Assam – 447
- Punjab – 419
- Jharkhand – 413
- Chhattisgarh – 393
- Haryana – 300
- Uttarakhand – 281
- Himachal Pradesh – 227
- Delhi – 46
- Kerala – 47
- Tamil Nadu – 36
The complete network totals 13,092 selected schools.
Why PM SHRI Is Not Just a “Smart Classroom” Scheme
Digital technology is one component.
The program also focuses on:
- Teacher development
- Learning outcomes
- Vocational education
- Sports
- Arts
- Well-being
- Sustainability
Vocational Education Is Important
Students need exposure to skills connected with the world of work.
A strong school system should help students understand different pathways, not treat every learner as if they must follow the same academic route.
Links With Higher Education Are Envisaged
The original PM SHRI design includes connections between schools and higher education institutions for mentoring.
Links With Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Are Also Planned
This can expose students to:
- Innovation
- Local industries
- Enterprise
- Problem solving
Psychological Well-Being Is Included
The original design also envisages counselling related to student well-being and careers.
Inclusive Education Is Central
The schools are intended to provide an environment that responds to:
- Different backgrounds
- Multilingual needs
- Different academic abilities
Accessibility Is Not Optional
Barrier-free access is included among minimum school-selection standards.
What Does “Model School” Really Mean?
A model school should not merely have a better-looking building.
The real test is whether it demonstrates:
- Better teaching
- Better student engagement
- Inclusive practices
- Competency-based learning
- Functional infrastructure
Mentoring Neighbouring Schools Is Important
If PM SHRI practices remain confined to 13,092 campuses, the national impact would be limited.
The scheme therefore expects schools to serve as reference points and mentors for nearby institutions.
How Should Success Be Measured?
| Weak Metric | Stronger Metric |
| Number of smart boards purchased | How often technology improves lessons |
| Number of labs built | How often students perform experiments |
| Money spent | Improvement in student learning |
| School selected | School actually functioning as an exemplar |
Teacher Capacity Is Critical
Modern infrastructure without trained teachers can remain underused.
PM SHRI therefore emphasises continuous professional development and improved pedagogy.
Technology Should Support, Not Replace, Teachers
A smart board cannot decide:
- Why a student is confused
- How to motivate a class
- When to slow down
Implementation Period Ends in 2026-27
The approved five-year scheme period runs from 2022-23 through 2026-27.
What Happens After the Scheme Period?
The long-term value will depend on whether:
- Infrastructure is maintained
- Teacher practices continue
- Successful models spread
- States sustain investment
Final Takeaway
The latest official PM SHRI update places the network at 13,092 selected schools across 36 States and Union Territories, around 90% of the scheme's target of more than 14,500 schools.
The â‚ą27,360-crore initiative runs from 2022-23 to 2026-27 and is expected to benefit more than 20 lakh students directly.
The 13,092 selected schools include 1,305 primary, 3,102 upper-primary, 3,141 secondary and 5,544 higher-secondary institutions, alongside KVS, NVS, KGBV and NCERT schools.
The larger purpose is not simply to renovate campuses. PM SHRI is intended to create schools that demonstrate NEP 2020 through competency-based learning, modern infrastructure, vocational exposure, inclusion, technology, sustainability, teacher development and mentoring of neighbouring schools.
The long-term measure of success will therefore not be how many schools receive the PM SHRI label, but whether those schools consistently deliver better learning environments and help spread effective practices across India's much larger school system.
