New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) under the civil sector across the country, union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said here.
Aimed to cater to the educational needs of the growing number of Central Government employees’ wards, the total estimated financial outlay for setting up these schools is approximately Rs5,862.55 crore, spread over nine years beginning 2026-27. This includes a capital expenditure of around Rs2,585.52 crore and operational costs of approximately Rs3,277.03 crore, the Minister said at a press briefing.
Notably, these new Kendriya Vidyalayas will serve as exemplar institutions under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with the inclusion of Balvatikas — three years of foundational pre-primary education — being introduced for the first time.
Launched in November 1962, Kendriya Vidyalaya Scheme aims to provide uniform quality education throughout the country to children of transferable and non-transferable Central Government employees, including those in Defence and Paramilitary forces.
Currently, there are 1,288 functional KVs, including three overseas branches in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran. As of June 30, 2025, the total student enrolment stands at approximately 13.62 lakh.
The 57 new schools will complement the 85 Kendriya Vidyalayas sanctioned earlier, addressing the growing demand and ensuring pan-India reach. Seven of these new KVs are sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs, while the remaining 50 are proposed by State and union Territory authorities.
The new KVs are strategically planned to extend coverage to underserved regions, including 20 districts currently without any KV despite significant Central Government employee populations. Furthermore, 14 schools are planned in aspirational districts, 4 in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, and 5 in the North East and hilly regions, said the Minister.
Each fully operational KVs, accommodating around 1,520 students from Balvatika to Class XII, requires an administrative and teaching staff of 81. With 57 new schools, over 4,600 direct permanent employment opportunities will be generated. In addition, construction and allied activities will create substantial jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, said Vaishnaw.
In alignment with NEP 2020, 913 KVs have been designated as PM Shri Schools, showcasing the adoption of the new educational framework. KVs are renowned for quality teaching, innovative pedagogy, and modern infrastructure. The demand for admission, especially to Balvatika and Class I, continues to rise annually. Students from KVs consistently perform among the top in CBSE board examinations.
