PM SHRI Scheme: Objectives, Features, Benefits and Implementation
IEM RoboticsTable of Content
-
What Is the PM SHRI Scheme?
-
Objectives of the PM SHRI Scheme
- Key Features of the PM SHRI Scheme
- How Are Schools Selected Under the PM SHRI Scheme?
- What Are the Benefits of the PM SHRI Scheme?
- PM SHRI Scheme and NEP 2020
- PM SHRI Scheme: Current Status
- Frequently Asked Questions About PM SHRI Scheme
- Conclusion
Education plays an important role in shaping the skills, knowledge, and confidence students need for the future. To strengthen school education and demonstrate the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Government of India introduced the PM SHRI Scheme.
PM SHRI stands for PM Schools for Rising India. It is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to strengthen selected existing schools and develop them as exemplar schools that demonstrate quality education, modern infrastructure, inclusive learning, and innovative teaching practices. The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on 7 September 2022. As of July 2026, 13,092 schools had been selected under the scheme against the broader target of more than 14,500 schools across India.
What Is the PM SHRI Scheme?
The PM SHRI Scheme is a government initiative focused on transforming existing schools into model institutions that showcase the implementation of NEP 2020. Instead of creating an entirely separate network of new schools, the scheme focuses on strengthening selected schools managed by the Central Government, State and Union Territory governments, and local bodies. These schools are expected to provide a safe, inclusive, stimulating, and student-friendly learning environment.
PM SHRI schools are also intended to act as exemplar schools and share their practices and experiences with other schools in their surrounding areas.
The scheme covers areas such as:
● Modern and appropriate school infrastructure
● Quality teaching and innovative pedagogy
● Digital and technology-enabled learning
● Experiential and activity-based education
● Skill development
● Sports and physical education
● Equity and inclusion
● Environmental sustainability
● Foundational literacy and numeracy
● Vocational education
The broader goal is to support the development of students who are not only academically capable but also equipped with important 21st-century skills.
Objectives of the PM SHRI Scheme
The pm shri scheme has been designed around several objectives that connect school-level development with the vision of NEP 2020.
1. Strengthening Existing Schools
One of the central objectives is to improve selected existing schools instead of treating infrastructure development as an isolated activity. Improvements can include classrooms, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, digital resources, accessibility infrastructure, and other learning resources.
2. Demonstrating NEP 2020
PM SHRI schools are expected to demonstrate how different recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 can be implemented at the school level. This includes learner-centred education, experiential learning, competency-based approaches, flexibility, inclusion, technology integration, and holistic development.
3. Promoting Holistic Development
The scheme places emphasis on more than examination performance. Students are encouraged to develop academic, creative, social, physical, technological, and practical skills. Innovative pedagogies mentioned in the PM SHRI framework include activity-based, experiential, art-based, sports-based, toy-based, and storytelling-based learning.
4. Creating Inclusive Learning Environments
PM SHRI schools are intended to provide an environment where students from different backgrounds and with different learning needs can participate effectively. The framework also includes provisions related to barrier-free access and infrastructure suitable for children with special needs.
5. Encouraging Innovation and Technology
Technology is an important part of the transformation envisioned under the scheme. Digital learning resources, smart classrooms, laboratories, and technology-supported monitoring and teaching practices can help schools provide broader learning opportunities.
Key Features of the PM SHRI Scheme
The scheme combines infrastructure development with changes in teaching, learning, assessment, and school management.
● Modern School Infrastructure
Selected schools can receive support for facilities such as laboratories, libraries, playgrounds, smart classrooms, toilets, ramps, and other infrastructure needed for a safe and effective learning environment. Official programme information also highlights activities such as rainwater harvesting and kitchen gardens in participating schools.
● Experiential and Activity-Based Learning
Students are encouraged to learn through practical activities rather than relying exclusively on traditional classroom instruction.
Projects, experiments, local experiences, arts, sports, storytelling, and other activities can connect classroom concepts with real-life situations.
● Holistic Progress Card
The PM SHRI framework supports school-based assessment based on learning outcomes and the use of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC). This approach is intended to provide a broader picture of student development rather than focusing only on marks.
● Vocational Education
Vocational education is another important component. It can introduce students to practical skills and help them understand different career and professional pathways.
● Green Schools
PM SHRI schools are expected to incorporate environmental and sustainability-related practices. The framework includes the development of PM SHRI schools as Green Schools, along with measures related to resource conservation and environmentally responsible practices.
● Support for Teachers and School Heads
Teacher and school-leader capacity building is an important part of the programme. The Ministry of Education's annual report describes orientation and capacity-building activities covering areas such as NEP 2020, digital education, innovation, leadership, skill initiatives, and school governance.
How Are Schools Selected Under the PM SHRI Scheme?
PM SHRI schools are selected through a Challenge Mode rather than simply allocating a fixed number of schools to each State or Union Territory.
The selection process broadly involves three stages:
- MoU with the Centre: States and UTs commit to supporting the implementation and quality standards of PM SHRI schools.
- Identification of eligible schools: Schools meeting prescribed minimum benchmarks are identified using available school education data.
- Challenge-based selection: Eligible schools compete against defined criteria, with fulfilment of conditions verified through physical inspection.
The original framework also specified that, subject to the scheme's limits, a maximum of two schools—one elementary and one secondary/senior secondary could be selected per block or urban local body. This process is intended to identify schools that can meet the required standards and develop into exemplar institutions.
What Are the Benefits of the PM SHRI Scheme?
The potential benefits of the pm shri scheme extend beyond physical improvements to school buildings.
- Better Learning Environment: Improved classrooms, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, and digital resources can create a more supportive environment for students and teachers.
- Practical Learning Opportunities: Experiential learning and practical activities can give students opportunities to apply concepts rather than simply memorising information.
- Greater Focus on Skills: Students can be exposed to technology, vocational education, innovation, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and other skills relevant to changing educational and professional environments.
- Inclusive Education: The scheme's focus on accessibility and equity aims to make schools more welcoming and usable for students with different needs and backgrounds.
- Stronger Connection Between Schools: PM SHRI schools are expected to serve as examples for neighbouring schools, allowing effective practices and approaches to be shared more widely.
PM SHRI Scheme and NEP 2020
The relationship between the pm shri scheme and NEP 2020 is central to understanding the programme. NEP 2020 calls for a shift towards more holistic, flexible, experiential, skill-oriented, and learner-centred education. PM SHRI schools are intended to provide practical examples of how these principles can be implemented in schools.
This includes areas such as:
● Foundational literacy and numeracy
● Experiential learning
● Competency-based assessment
● Technology integration
● Vocational education
● Multilingual learning
● Sports and arts
● Inclusive education
● Environmental sustainability
● Holistic student development
In this way, PM SHRI schools are designed not merely as upgraded school buildings but as institutions demonstrating broader changes in the teaching and learning process.
PM SHRI Scheme: Current Status
The scheme was approved in 2022 with a planned implementation period of 2022–23 to 2026–27 and a total project cost of ₹27,360 crore, including a central share of ₹18,128 crore. According to a Ministry of Education update from July 2026, 13,092 schools had been selected as PM SHRI schools across States and Union Territories, including schools associated with KVS, NVS, and NCERT. A September 2026 government overview similarly reported that 13,092 schools had been selected by July 2026, representing approximately 90% of the targeted number.
Frequently Asked Questions About PM SHRI Scheme
When was the PM SHRI Scheme launched?
The Union Cabinet approved the PM SHRI Scheme on 7 September 2022.
What is the main objective of the PM SHRI Scheme?
The main objective is to strengthen selected existing schools and develop them as exemplar schools that demonstrate the implementation of NEP 2020 while providing quality, inclusive, and holistic education.
How many schools are targeted under PM SHRI?
The scheme aims to strengthen more than 14,500 schools across India. As of July 2026, 13,092 schools had been selected.
Is PM SHRI a centrally sponsored scheme?
Yes. PM SHRI is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented through the school education system of the Centre, States, UTs, and participating school organisations.
Conclusion
The pm shri scheme represents an effort to translate the principles of NEP 2020 into school-level practices. By strengthening selected existing schools, the programme focuses on infrastructure, innovative pedagogy, technology, inclusion, skills, sustainability, and holistic student development.
With more than 13,000 schools selected by July 2026, the programme has moved substantially toward its target of more than 14,500 schools. The emphasis on creating exemplar institutions also means that the impact of PM SHRI is intended to extend beyond individual schools by encouraging the sharing of effective educational practices with neighbouring institutions.
By: Binita Barman