In a major move to strengthen school infrastructure for children of Central Government employees, the Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across the country. The project, slated to roll out from 2026-27, carries a total investment of ₹5,862.55 crore over nine years, with ₹2,585.52 crore earmarked for capital expenses and ₹3,277.03 crore for operational costs.

For the first time, all 57 new schools will feature Balvatikas, offering three years of pre-primary foundational education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, signalling a significant shift toward early childhood learning.

Targeted expansion across 17 states and UT

The new KVs will be strategically located across 17 states and Union Territories, with 20 schools in districts currently lacking a KV, 14 in Aspirational districts, four in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, and five in the North Eastern and hilly regions. Seven schools are sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs, while 50 will be set up by state and UT authorities. These additions follow the 85 KVs approved in December 2024, further extending the network to high-demand and strategically important regions.

Impact on students and employment

Each KV will accommodate approximately 1,520 students, meaning the new schools will benefit over 86,000 children once fully operational. The expansion will also generate 4,617 permanent teaching and non-teaching posts and create construction jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, offering a significant boost to local employment.

Since its inception in 1962, the Kendriya Vidyalaya system has grown to 1,288 schools, including three overseas branches in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran, with current enrolment exceeding 13.6 lakh students. Many KVs now operate as PM SHRI schools, showcasing NEP 2020 innovations with modern infrastructure, progressive pedagogy, and strong academic outcomes. Rising demand for admissions, particularly at entry levels, continues to underscore the critical role of KVs in shaping India’s educational future.